Barbara’s Lung Cancer Journey: Timely Care, Steady Support

A racing heart sent Barbara Carrol to the emergency department in June. An unexpected finding on her chest X-ray set her on a different path: diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer.

The 76-year-old West Point woman had gone to North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point due to an abnormally fast heart rhythm. As the emergency team checked for possible causes, an X-ray revealed a spot on her lung.

A Finding That Needed Follow-Up

Lung nodules are small spots on the lungs. Most are not cancer, but follow-up helps determine which nodules need additional evaluation.

Barbara was among the first patients to benefit from technology North Mississippi Health Services began using this spring. The technology flags radiology reports that mention unexpected lung nodules. The Lung Nodule Clinic team at Pulmonary Consultants reviews those findings and helps coordinate care.

In Barbara’s case, registered nurse Tara Adams, system manager of the early detection program, reviewed the flagged X-ray findings and Barbara’s medical history. Then Tara helped her schedule a low dose CT scan quickly. She discussed the CT results with pulmonologist Dr. Jaime Ungo on a Friday morning. By Monday morning, Barbara was scheduled for a biopsy.

“He thought I needed to get in fast,” Barbara said.

Dr. Ungo used robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to biopsy the nodule. The results showed small cell lung cancer, a fast-moving form of the disease. Additional imaging delivered great news. There were no signs the cancer had spread beyond her lungs.

The diagnosis also changed how Barbara understood an earlier decision. A longtime smoker, she had canceled a lung cancer screening with low dose CT scheduled for February because she recently had a chest X-ray during care for lupus.

“I thought if there was something there, they would have seen it on the X-ray,” Barbara said.

Facing More Than Cancer

Under the care of hematologist-oncologist Dr. Amit Correa and radiation oncologist Dr. Russell Roberts, Barbara completed 33 radiation treatments and five rounds of chemotherapy at NMHS Cancer Care in Starkville this summer.

“After the first two weeks, it hit me hard,” Barbara said.

Exhaustion left little energy for anything beyond treatment and sleep. Her infusion nurses looked for ways to lift her spirits.

“They know you go through so much,” Barbara said.

Then, in July, a fire destroyed her home. She stayed with her sister and brother-in-law, Reba and William “Bubba” Vest, through her treatment.

“He put handrails in the shower for me,” Barbara said.

For someone accustomed to helping others, needing help herself was difficult.

“I was used to doing for everybody else,” Barbara said. “I’d lay there thinking about the fire, the cancer and there was so much I needed to do.”

Help Carrying the Load

Her family, friends and care team helped her face both challenges.

Her son, Brian Hamburg, took her to appointments. Her daughter, Sherry Tedford, traveled from Jackson to help whenever possible. Trinity Baptist Church, where her brother-in-law serves as pastor, was a huge source of support, even holding a yard sale to help her. People across West Point and beyond added her to prayer lists.

NMHS Cancer Care social worker Olevia Billips helped Barbara access resources. Through the NMHS Cancer Care Patient Fund, the Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi provided a bed and linens for her new home.

“Everybody’s been wonderful,” Barbara said. “I’ve had support from so many people.” 

During one especially difficult day, her best friend, Dot Lee, encouraged her to hold the course.

“She said, ‘Barbara, you’ve come this far. Just think how you will feel when you get through.’”

This fall, Barbara’s first post-treatment scans showed no signs of cancer. She is still recovering from anemia and low platelet levels related to chemotherapy, but she is feeling stronger.

“Alive is worth more than anything,” Barbara said.

Looking back, she is grateful for the people who helped her through — and sees her faith reflected in their care. She gives God all the glory.

“I know who takes care of us,” Barbara said. “He has His hands on these doctors.”