Patient Profile: Ma Teresa Uses Her Voice
Ma Teresa knew something wasn’t right, even when the doctors could not find anything. She kept pushing, she kept speaking up, she kept advocating for herself and eventually got the answers she had been seeking. Ma Teresa had lung cancer, and it had metastasized.
The first sign that something was wrong came while on a trip to Mexico in the summer of 2024. “There was a drop in my chest,” says Ma Teresa, “It wasn’t a pain, but like air going right through my body, cold air.” Ma Teresa did not like the feeling, but it passed, and she went on with her trip.
A few months later, back at her home in Illinois, the strange feeling came back, suddenly and fiercely. Ma Teresa was at a party and had a similar incident to the one in Mexico, “It felt like a strain this time. I sat down and someone brought me a drink, but the cold water made it worse.”
Ma Teresa went to her primary doctor with her concerns and told him about the two events. He ordered a chest x-ray that showed something like a shadow on her left lung. A CAT scan was ordered and Ma Teresa was referred to a pulmonologist in November of 2024. Nothing was visible on the scan and the pulmonologist wrote an order for a follow-up visit in six months. Ma Teresa was skeptical, but agreed.
Not two months later, Ma Teresa developed a bad cough that was only getting worse as well as changes in her ability to smell. Basic household things like bleach and cleaners were overpowering to her. Ma Teresa went to a local emergency room and explained her symptoms. There were no specialists available and the doctors could not find anything wrong with her.
Ma Teresa spoke up and demanded that the health care professionals keep looking. She knew something was wrong and she refused to leave until a complete and thorough examination was given. Finally, it was. And, finally, Ma Teresa had her answers. After a bronchoscopy and a biopsy were given, Ma Teresa was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to her stomach and chest wall.
When asked how she felt about needing to fight for her diagnosis, Ma Teresa is matter of fact, “Standing up for myself was not difficult. My husband helped me translate and communicate with the doctors. He helped me explain all of the symptoms I was having so they could better understand.”
After the diagnosis, Ma Teresa was referred to Dr. Ellen Gustafson, a hematologist/oncologist at Hope & Healing Cancer Services in their New Lenox, Illinois clinic location. “I did not know who to see for my cancer. I asked my pulmonologist and he sent me to Dr. Gustafson, telling me that if his own wife had cancer, that is who he would want her to see.”
Dr. Gustafson started Ma Teresa on an aggressive protocol of six rounds of infusion chemotherapy. After the chemotherapy was completed, Ma Teresa was switched to ongoing rounds of immunotherapy treatments. Pet scans that were completed last month show positive results. Ma Teresa’s original mass in her lungs had decreased by 80% and the metastasized cancer locations were now inactive or had disappeared completely.
Dr. Gustafson is pleased with the results so far, “Immunotherapy works by using the body’s own immune system to fight off cancer cells in the body, wherever they might be. It generally has fewer side effects and is easier for patients to tolerate.”
This has been Ma Teresa’s experience. While she does not work outside the home, she has been able to maintain her activities at home and walks regularly for exercise. “I’ve never needed to stop doing any of the things I love,” she says.
When asked if she feels hopeful about her future, Ma Teresa is quick to reply, “Oh yes, yes, very hopeful! I have a good support system and most of my symptoms have gone away or gotten much better. I give thanks to God and for all the prayers from others.”
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD & Ellen Gustafson, MD
Disclaimer: This blog provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider and mental health professionals for guidance specific to your situation.
