The Power of Hope for Healing for a Lung Cancer Patient

When Susan Muller, 67, of Smithtown, was diagnosed with locally advanced lung cancer, she chose Mark Genovesi, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Catholic Health, to lead her treatment. Life, however, always has a way of changing the best-laid plans.

On the day of her scheduled surgery, a bronchoscopy revealed that the mass in Susan’s lung had grown, preventing Dr. Genovesi from proceeding with the operation. The risk of leaving cancerous tissue behind was too high. Upon awakening in the recovery room, Susan was informed of this change in plan and immediately referred to Johnny Kao, MD, Director of the Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan University Hospital and Chair of Radiation Oncology at Good Samaritan University Hospital, and Ashish Sangal, MD, Chief of Medical Oncology & Hematology & Director of Clinical Research & Thoracic Oncology.

In the OR recovery room, Susan had a bedside consultation with her nurse, Louann, who discussed her options for the next steps. “She asked me if I wanted some time before we proceeded, but I said, ‘No, let’s do it’,” said Susan.

Soon after, Susan began chemotherapy and radiation under the care of Dr. Sangal and Dr. Kao, with the goal of shrinking the cancerous mass in her lung. Despite the setback, Susan remained optimistic, largely due to the unwavering support from her medical team. 

“Dr. Sangal and Dr. Kao were so supportive and optimistic about what my outcome would be, that I felt so much trust in them and confident that they would see me through,” she said. Susan repeatedly made note of the power of this belief in her team. “They’re such great people; you can tell they want you to be better. I love them.”

Throughout her treatment, Susan also saw Sharad Chandrika, MD, Director of Interventional Pulmonology Medicine at Catholic Health, for regular follow-ups and several bronchoscopies to monitor her progress. “Sometimes going to see a doctor, you can dread it," said Susan. "I never dreaded going to see anyone there. I would send anyone I know to them.”

After completing her chemotherapy and radiation regimen, Susan’s tumor shrank enough to undergo surgery. The resection was successful, and two and a half years later, she is cancer-free.

Reflecting on her journey, Susan said, “They cured me. And they instilled hope in me, which was a vital part of my recovery.”

Learn more about Catholic Health cancer services.