Patient Stories

Lung Cancer FAQs

Should you have surgery? Can I have surgery?

This question is important and sometimes can be complicated. The discussions about you and what should be done are an important part of the work of the lung cancer team. If you have a cancer which can be safely completely removed, surgery should be considered. But in order to decide whether surgery is an option for you, several questions need to be answered:

The first question we ask is, “What type of cancer do you have?” Did the cancer originate in the lung, or did it start somewhere else and spread to the lung? If it started somewhere else, then it is not a lung cancer and treatment would be different. If it is a lung cancer, there are 3 major types – adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer. Each of these has different treatment pathways. For example, if you have small cell cancer, surgery almost never helps and is very unlikely to be recommended.
The second question we ask is, “What is the stage of your cancer?” Stage involves how big the cancer is, exactly where it is located, and the extent to which it has spread. Staging affects treatment options. For example, a stage 1 squamous cell cancer can usually be treated surgically, whereas chemotherapy and radiation combined might be the best choice for a stage 4 adenocarcinoma.If you would benefit from surgery, you may be a candidate for “VATS,” or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive approach to the chest for which Dr. Steliga has special training. It is not available in most of Arkansas.
The third question is about your overall health and lung function. This also affects your treatment choices. For example if you have a stage 1 cancer but your lung function is very poor then we may offer you a different specialized treatment option, ablation, in which the cells in the area of the cancer are frozen or heated in order to kill them.

What about chemotherapy and radiation therapy?

These two treatments are listed together because they are often used together to get the best possible outcome. When an operation is not what is best for you (or sometimes even when it is), a team of dedicated experts will discuss the possibility of treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation. All of our team members use state-of-the-art approaches to lung cancer.

I need something not mentioned here. What should I do?

You should ask. There are other possible treatments available at UAMS.

What about clinical trials?

At UAMS, clinical research is just another way we are working toward improving the health of patients throughout Arkansas and the world. Our lung cancer team has access to more clinical trials than any other clinic in the state.

For both patients and doctors, trials offer a chance to gain access to new experimental drugs or procedures and devices before they are commonly available. If you are eligible for a clinical trial, your team will discuss options with you as part of your personalized treatment plan.

What about second opinions?

Our multidisciplinary team of experts welcomes patients with lung cancer who may be seeking a second opinion. This is an important role of an academic lung cancer center. Our team includes pulmonary, surgery, oncology, pathology, radiology, radiation therapy and palliative care physicians.

Cancer therapy is not working for my family member. Can you help?

Yes we can help. In two ways. First, we can offer a second opinion, as mentioned above. If there is more that we can do, we can offer that. Second, if our team agrees aggressive treatment options are no longer effective, we can ask our Palliative Care team to talk with your family member. Palliative care doctors relieve pain, improve function, and improve the quality of life for patients regardless of diagnosis and stage.

In conclusion, if you think you might have lung cancer or know that you do, the UAMS lung cancer team can work with you to form a personalized diagnostic or treatment plan. Because we are the only cancer center and academic hospital in the state of Arkansas, we have advanced therapies not available elsewhere in the state. A member of our lung cancer team can be reached through the number listed above.

Local Baseball Legend Receives New Sight

Tom Butler is a legend at Junior Deputy Baseball. After 49 years of coaching, the organization named a field in his honor during a celebration of his commitment to generations of ball players. Last fall, he noticed he couldn’t see the ball clearly when pitching batting practice for his team of 9- to 12-year-olds. He got really worried after not being able to see the lines on the interstate while driving one rainy evening.

He scheduled an appointment with his optometrist at the UAMS Jones Eye Institute, and she referred him to Dr. Tayyeba Ali, a UAMS cataract specialist. He had cataract surgery on his right eye in December and his left eye two weeks later. Today everything is clear and bright, and he can see the baseball — and his golf ball.

“My wife and I receive all our medical care at UAMS. We trust our doctors and know they have access to specialists who can cover almost anything we need. It’s great to be part of such a great team.”
– Tom Butler, Little Rock

Taking Steps Toward a Cure

Angel McVay, UAMS Breast Cancer patient.

Angel McVay was a busy wife, mother, business owner, photographer, and yoga instructor. Luckily, she took time for a breast self-exam last summer and went to a UAMS Neighborhood Clinic immediately after noticing a suspicious lump. She was referred to the Breast Center at UAMS for a mammogram the following day, and then a biopsy, which showed she had invasive ductal carcinoma.

Further testing showed she has the BRCA2 mutation and the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and her spine and pelvis. As a healthy 32-year-old, she was a good candidate for aggressive treatment that included four months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Eight months after her diagnosis, her scans were clear. Angel’s grandmother is a 35-year breast cancer survivor. With the advancements in treatment being made now, Angel is planning to be at least a 75-year survivor.

“Dr. Makhoul was there every step of the way, and the entire medical team at UAMS was incredibly kind and helpful. Having experienced the advanced care available today, thanks in part to participants in the Race for the Cure, I believe we can have both quality of life and quantity.”
– Angel McVay, Little Rock

Exceeding Expectations

After routine surgery for a pinched nerve, Les Marlow’s spine developed kyphosis, and his neck started to fall forward. The condition was so severe that he could no longer take daily walks, play golf or do many other routine tasks. The x-ray of his neck shows just how bad it was. He was told he needed to see a specialist and found one just a few miles from home at UAMS. Dr. Noojan Kazemi, a UAMS neurosurgeon, performed a complex surgery to repair his spine last September, and the improvement was immediate. After a three-week recovery at home, he returned to his normal routine with a new outlook on life.

“I had not been to UAMS before I went to Dr. Kazemi, and everything was better than expected. There is no reason for anyone to go anywhere other than UAMS.”
– Les Marlow, Little Rock

We Had Work to Do

Cameron Smith, UAMS Head and Neck Cancer patient.

When Northwest Arkansas businessman Cameron Smith was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer, he didn’t waste any time. “We had work to do,” he said. The first order of business included consulting UAMS’ renowned head and neck surgeon James Y. Suen, M.D.

Led by Dr. Suen, a team of physicians immediately began a rigorous treatment regimen that included a research clinical trial to reduce the side effects of radiation therapy. Now, almost five years later, Cameron appreciates life like never before and is proud to spread the word about UAMS as a board member of its Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

“My experience at the UAMS Cancer Institute is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Everything went like clockwork. I want everyone to know we have world-class cancer treatment right here in Arkansas. These folks are the real deal.”

– Cameron Smith, Rogers

Brothers Enjoy Game Days Together

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that runs in the Johnson family. James Johnson, Sr., suffered from the disease and received a donated kidney from his brother in 1985. His young sons made a promise then that they would donate a kidney to the other if they ever needed one.

On Feb. 3, 2016, James, Jr., (right) received a donated kidney from his brother, Jeff, and once again, the two brother transplant surgery took place at UAMS. After more than a year of restricted activities due to James’ kidney disease, the Johnson brothers can once again enjoy game days and holidays together with their families.

“Feb. 3 was like a new birthday, thanks to UAMS and a new kidney from my brother. Organ donation is a wonderful gift — one I’m extremely grateful for.”
— James Johnson, Jr., Russellville

We are Keeping You Young

Jennifer Allison of Conway, a UAMS Orthopedic patient

Jennifer Allison of Conway has a 2-year-old grandson and a grand dog who have a lot of energy. She loves to take care of them both, but doing so requires her to be on the go, on the ground, and in the middle of the action. As she says, “I have to be able to move. And move fast!” A bad hip kept her on the sidelines until it was fixed by Dr. Lowry Barnes, an orthopedic surgeon at UAMS.

Now that her hip is pain-free, she can enjoy being active at home and while traveling. She and her husband love to travel where the sand is white, the water is clear and there is plenty of lobster.

“My entire hip replacement experience was great. From check-in to discharge, everything was extremely efficient, and I liked knowing I was helping educate the next generation as Dr. Barnes toured with his interns.”
– Jennifer Allison, Conway

Keeping You Right on Track

Gary Taylor, UAMS Orthopeadics patient

Gary Taylor is used to providing advice to others when they come into Go! Running, but when Dr. Michael Cassat came into his store, the roles quickly reversed. Gary asked the sports medicine doctor if he could help with a lingering Achilles tendon problem, and the doctor’s response was, “Sure, come see me.” Dr. Cassat prescribed physical therapy, a night splint, and modified training.

A few months later, Gary was in better running condition than he had been for several years. While selling running gear, Gary now readily refers others to Dr. Cassat, a family physician with an emphasis in sports medicine at UAMS, explaining how his passion, caring and expertise made a difference in his life.

“The first thing you notice about Dr. Cassat is that he obviously cares and has a real passion for what he does. With the backing of an institution like UAMS, you know you’re in good hands. They make a great combination for the Central Arkansas fitness scene.”
– Gary Taylor, Little Rock

Unparalleled Care

When Johnelle Hunt slipped and fell in 2013, she fractured two vertebrae. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, and doctors there determined she needed more specialized care for her injury in order to prevent further damage, even the possibility of paralysis.

She chose the trauma center at UAMS. She was quickly evaluated by the trauma team and recommended for surgery to repair the damaged vertebrae. Neurosurgeon T. Glenn Pait performed the successful surgery, and she was soon able to return to all the activities she had done before the accident.

“UAMS is so special because it’s a teaching hospital. You have all these smart people taking care of you. You just couldn’t ask for better care.”
– Johnelle Hunt, Fayetteville, Ark.

Expert Team Provides Care

Chasse Conque, UAMS maternal-fetal medicine patient

When Chasse Conque, director of athletics for the Little Rock Trojans, and his wife, Lisa, were expecting twin daughters, they were comforted to know there was a maternal fetal specialist on their team. The value of this expertise came home when their twin daughters were born six weeks early in a difficult delivery. The team grew to include neonatologists and neonatal nurses who helped the couple feel comfortable caring for their daughters during their one-month stay in the hospital. When the couple was expecting their third daughter in 2014, Lisa and Chasse went back to their team of experts, who once again helped them bring home a healthy baby girl.

The team grew to include neonatologists and neonatal nurses who helped the couple feel comfortable caring for their daughters during their one-month stay in the hospital. When the couple was expecting their third daughter in 2014, Lisa and Chasse went back to their team of experts, who once again helped them bring home a healthy baby girl.

“UAMS has been a big part of our growing family. We are grateful for the medical team that safely delivered and cared for our three daughters.”
– Chasse Conque, Little Rock