Patient Profile: Living with Lung Cancer
In May of 2020, with the world in lockdown during the first few months of COVID-19, Charles Gerard was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. “I thought I had pulled a muscle in my neck. There was a lump there and a little pain,” explains Mr. Gerard, who went to his primary physician with the complaints. About a month later, after a series of tests, Mr. Gerard got his diagnosis.
“My wife and I were both there. I got no second opinions, though I probably should have. I was in a state of shock,” is how Mr. Gerard describes what it was like to get the news. In his early 60s, Mr. Gerard had worked as a forklift technician for years, but when you learn you have stage IV lung cancer, everything changes, and it changes quickly.
Mr. Gerard was referred to Dr Srilata Gundala, hematologist/oncologist and founder of Hope & Healing Care Center in Hinsdale, Illinois. “Dr. G was more than comforting with her explanation and expectations,” says Mr. Gerard, “It’s been a good experience with her. I didn’t know what to expect. I was at a loss. Dr. G is informative and answered all our questions. I felt comfortable. She had a plan and knew where this was going.”
Almost three years later, Mr. Gerard is no longer in active treatment. Some of his therapies were easy to tolerate, others were harder. One of the treatments that Mr. Gerard was grateful to have received was an immunotherapy drug approved for use in 2016.
Another treatment caused unpleasant side effects, “I went through a period of night sweats, drenched head to toe every night. I would take a shower, then get chilled. It was pretty rough. Dr. G pinpointed the issue, she was the detective. One phone call and I was told to come in immediately.”
Working with an independent clinic, like Hope & Healing Care Center, cuts a lot of the red tape patients treated at a larger hospital system may experience. Mr. Gerard was grateful for his referral to Dr. Gundala for that reason, “It’s better than going to a hospital. It is never crowded, there is personal care, and never a long wait time -- 5-10 minutes at most. Those conveniences made a big difference to me.”
Dr. Gundala sees the positive impact her independent practice has on patient experiences every day, “When you are going through cancer treatment, small things matter. If there are delays in reaching your doctor or a lack of parking spaces or the need to go to a different setting for blood work, those things can negatively impact patients and caregivers. Here at Hope & Healing, we prioritize the patient experience, and our patients feel that.”
Off treatment for just over the past six months, cancer is still part of Mr. Gerard’s day-to-day life, “I still have days when I don’t feel well. I had to retire after the diagnosis, and I miss the camaraderie of people I work with. There are good days and bad days. If I do some yard work, I will pay for it later, but 80% of the time, I feel pretty decent.”
When asked if he had any advice for others living with a stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, Mr. Gerard was quiet for a moment, “I’m a bad one for advice. Be optimistic and take it day-by-day. Be fortunate for the good days. I expected to be here 2-3 years. I feel fortunate, lucky. Close friends haven’t had this luxury. Nothing about tomorrow is promised.”
