Photo courtesy of Houston MethodistHealth
From caregiver to cancer survivor: A nurse’s journey through lung cancer
Catherina Anderson dedicated her life to supporting people during some of their most difficult moments as both a critical care and hospice nurse, but her outlook on life was forever changed when the roles reversed and she became the patient. At 73, Anderson faced a stage 3 lung cancer diagnosis.
A longtime smoker, Anderson knew she was at high risk. During a routine exam, her Houston Methodist primary care physician ordered a CT chest and lung cancer screening that revealed a suspicious lung nodule. She was quickly referred to Dr. Priya Ramshesh, medical oncologist and medical director of Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among adults in the United States – with more people dying than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined,” Ramshesh said. “The main reason for this is that symptoms appear only at a later stage, which makes earlier detection so important. We can achieve earlier detection with a low dose screening CT scan.”
Anderson’s care included a CT lung cancer screening, blood tests, advanced imaging, a biopsy and ultimately surgery to remove the nodule and several lymph nodes. The diagnosis: stage 3 lung cancer. She underwent concurrent chemo and radiation therapy and is now in surveillance, preparing to have her port removed before beginning a year of immunotherapy.
“It was scary being the patient, and I often wondered if it would have been better not to know about the cancer – but I had to be realistic,” Anderson explained. “Catch it early and listen to your doctors. I’m very fortunate, and it’s by the grace of God I’m healed.”
Throughout her treatment, Anderson leaned on her care team, especially Cynthia Andrews, her oncology nurse navigator at Houston Methodist.
“Many find unexpected blessings in their cancer journey — time to slow down, refocus and cherish what truly matters,” Andrews said. “For others, it’s an incredibly hard road, and I’m honored to be there physically, emotionally and spiritually. As a nurse navigator I listen, support, advocate and stand beside each patient as they process fear and uncertainty, then rise to fight for their lives. Watching patients ring the bell and walk out as survivors is the most rewarding part of my work. This is why I became a nurse.”
Anderson credits Andrews, Ramshesh and her family, including her therapy dog, Boo, with helping her find the strength to fight.
“My family bet that I would continue smoking, but after you have a chest tube pulled out, you’ll never want to see a cigarette again,” Anderson said. “I haven’t smoked since.”
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and Anderson is using her voice to advocate for others. She urges high-risk individuals to stop smoking, get annual check-ups and make appointments for anything unusual. Visit Houston Methodist online for more information on Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center and to begin your care journey today.
Source: Houston Methodist
