At the beginning of 2000, I developed a severe pneumonia. I was seen at TWH Family Practice many times with many chest X-rays and was referred to a respirologist at TGH. After 8 months, a CT scan was ordered, followed promptly by a lung biopsy. The reason given for my not being referred for a CT scan earlier was that I was a lifelong non-smoker, and cancer was not suspected. I was referred to Dr. Gail Darling, who did a partial pneumonectomy at TGH that Sept. The diagnosis was Stage 3b bronchoalveolar carcinoma. I was then followed by Dr. Darling at Princess Margaret for regular CT scans. In April 2002, I had a complete pneumonectomy after more tumours had developed. I was again followed regularly by Dr. Darling with CT scans at Princess Margaret. After a diagnosis of stage 3 b lung cancer over 20 years ago, I am cancer-free. I will be forever grateful for the care I received at Princess Margaret and the UHN. A very special thanks to Dr. Darling for her surgical expertise and even more for her constant positive support over the many years she remained my Guardian Angel.
I hope that research will be able to find the causes of non-smoke-related lung cancers, which seem to occur more in women than men.
