I write this little story to let you know how wonderful it is to be given back your life, to see your grandchildren grow, to enjoy family and friends – and all that life has to offer.
In April 2021, I began feeling a lot of pain in my back. I suspected that I may have pneumonia, so I went to my local GP and requested an X-Ray. Nothing showed up on the X-Ray, but I knew within myself that something was not right, so I asked for a CT scan. The CT scan showed a small mass and lesions in the left upper lobe of my lung.
I received a referral to a specialist and the following week presented at Concord Hospital Respiratory Department for my first appointment. I will never forget the memories that came flashing back as it was just over 3 years earlier, that my husband had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Stem Cell Cancer and passed away 12 weeks later.
I was frightened to say the least!
Professor Lucy Morgan determined from the CT results, that it would be best to wait 6 weeks and have a second CT scan and re-evaluate and assess any changes before calling for a biopsy or planning the pathway forward. She assured me she would be truthful and would be with me all the way. I felt blessed to have Professor Morgan as my respiratory physician as she gave me the peace and confidence to place myself in her hands. She was such a gentle, kind, caring Doctor.
After 6 weeks, the CT scan showed the tumour had grown and after having a biopsy and more scans, Professor Morgan consulted with Professor Cao, a leading surgeon at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in the field of lung disease.
Professor Cao and I had a telephone consultation due to COVID. He explained carefully the procedure of Robotic Surgery. It was very foreign and quite difficult for me to understand, although the kindness and patience of Professor Cao helped me through it. I felt very thankful.
Professor Cao did not let the grass grow under his feet.
One week later I was in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for Robotic Surgery to remove half of my lung.
When Professor Cao came to see me after the surgery, his broad smiling face gave me the news, even before the words came out of his mouth. His skill and the wonderful support team provided me with the best news ever. All successful, no cancer in the lymph nodes and no need for any additional treatment. The best possible outcome you could wish for.
Sometimes words are just not enough to express the thankfulness and gratitude I feel to Professor Cao and his team. The nurses, associates and staff at Concord and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals are angels. Everyone who supports The Baird Institute has helped me and countless others too.
I write this little story to let you know how wonderful it is to be given back your life, to see my grandchildren grow, to enjoy family and friends – and all that life has to offer. I am so grateful to the Baird Institute for their constant research and their development of ground-breaking technology in all forms of surgery, but for me particularly, in Robotic Lung Surgery.
We indeed live in a lucky country. We are blessed!
Mary Ann
