In July 2022, we shared Linda Harrison’s story (below) of overcoming pancreatic cancer under the care of Dr. Eddie Abdalla and Dr. Malini Sur at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Liver & Pancreas Program and Dr. Silpa Reddy at Atlanta Cancer Care.
Eighteen months later, during a post-pancreatic-cancer-therapy follow-up scan, doctors discovered a small lung lesion. The remaining scan did not show any additional abnormalities. Linda’s care team referred her to Dr. Venkatesh Lakshminarayanan, medical director of interventional pulmonology. Even though Linda wasn’t presenting any symptoms, Dr. Lakshminarayanan determined it was best to perform a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy on the lesion.
This minimally invasive technology enables physicians to biopsy hard-to-reach nodules deep within the lung, which leads to increased accuracy, fewer complications, and quicker diagnosis and treatment.
Linda was prepared for a rigorous surgical procedure that would leave her out of work for at least six weeks. Instead, she was surprised to find the entire process quick and smooth with minimal downtime. She was even able to eat that day, which she said was a very positive thing!
Unfortunately, Linda’s test results came back positive for a single metastatic pancreatic lung lesion, and she is currently undergoing radiation treatment and immunotherapy at Northside Hospital. But despite this, Linda is in good spirits and is grateful that the team at Northside was able to identify and treat her recurrent cancer early on in the process.
“We’re all going through challenges,” said Linda, who aims to stay positive and active in the midst of her diagnosis. “The doctors at Northside Hospital have helped me stay strong and have been a great support through everything over the last several years.”
Watch Linda's original story here:
Learn more about Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
* The health story shared here may portray atypical results of survival for this type of cancer, given its severity and stage. Atypical results are considered surviving a cancer that has less than a 50% five-year survival rate. Patients should consult an expert to discuss specific treatment plans and the possible outcomes before making medical decisions.
