This Thanksgiving, 39-year-old Cherith Satterfield has much to be grateful for as she gathers with her family. The wife, mother of five, three grown and two at home, was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of lung cancer earlier this year. For Cherith, the journey has been a powerful reminder to take your health seriously. 

A Surprising Diagnosis

For nearly a year, Cherith had been battling health issues that kept her in and out of her doctor’s office. She suffered from severe leg pain, swelling and cold sensitivity. Working closely with her primary care doctor, Cherith was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid.  But in May, a persistent cough, and a strange whistling sound when she took a breath signaled something unusual. Her primary care physician ordered a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia, which ultimately revealed something far more serious: a large mass on her left lung. Cherith was soon diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.

A nonsmoker with no known risk factors for lung cancer, the diagnosis was both unexpected and overwhelming for Cherith and her family.

Battling Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States in men and women. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, it remains the leading cause of cancer death. While risk factors like smoking, exposure to radon gas, and family history are well-known, lung cancer can also affect those without these risk factors.  Approximately 10 to 20% of lung cancers are diagnosed in patients who have never smoked.

Cherith’s form of lung cancer, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, which can spread more quickly than other types of lung cancer. It accounts for less than 3% of all lung cancers and it often goes undetected until symptoms become pronounced, making early diagnosis crucial. Cherith was fortunate her doctor ordered the x-ray that may have saved her life. 

 The lung tumor was originally deemed inoperable.  After a whirlwind of tests, Cherith underwent neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy to shrink the mass which allowed her to become a surgical candidate to remove the cancer.  

In October, CTVS thoracic surgeon Dr. Matthew Gaudet performed a robotic lobectomy to successfully resect the cancerous lobe from Cherith’s lung. This minimally invasive procedure allowed Cherith to get back home to recover with her family just two days after surgery. 

Raising Awareness and Gratitude

Reflecting on her experience, Cherith emphasizes the importance of paying attention to unusual symptoms and advocating for your health. “I never would have thought lung cancer could be my diagnosis,” she shares, “but I’m so thankful that my doctor ordered that x-ray.” 

Cherith credits the support of her family, the community, and her faith for helping her overcome her cancer battle. “Staying the course is not always easy when you are fighting cancer,” she says. “I had a great support system that inspired me to stay vigilant.” 

Now, Cherith is looking forward to a future free of cancer, filled with family time.

For questions about any of our vascular, cardiac, or thoracic services, please visit ctvstexas.com or call us at (512) 459-8753 to schedule an appointment.

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