Lung Cancer: Joseph's Story
November 27, 2019Joseph Kapusnick and his wife, Virginia, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary—and they both enjoy good health and an active lifestyle. Just over a year ago, however, all of this was in question when Joseph underwent robotic lung surgery.
For Joseph, 74, early detection of lung nodules several years ago led to close monitoring of these pre- cancerous nodules—until last year, when things took a turn for the worse. After consulting with Bryan Steinberg, MD, Thoracic Surgery, Holy Cross Health, they knew that Joseph’s best option was surgery.
Dr. Steinberg, who practices at Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, performed minimally invasive surgery to remove the affected tissue last August.
"I never had any symptoms at all. I could have gone a long time not knowing this was happening to me, until it was too late.”
- Joseph Kapusnick, pictured with his wife, Virginia.
Life-Saving Technologies
Holy Cross Health is an early adopter of advanced technologies for lung cancer diagnosis and the only health system in Montgomery County that offers both endobronchial ultrasound and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for early detection of lung nodules.
“These advanced technologies are helping us to find patients with early-stage lung cancer,” explains Dr. Steinberg. “And for those patients, surgery is the best way to eradicate it.”
The Holy Cross Lung Cancer program stands out, regionally, for its commitment to cutting-edge robotic surgery, as well as a mission to stop cancer before it begins with early detection protocols and community outreach to raise awareness of risk factors and prevention.
Bryan Steinberg, MD, Thoracic Surgeon
“The diagnosis of lung cancer used to be a death sentence,” explains Dr. Steinberg. “It’s a very different story now. We’re actually saving many people’s lives.”
Joseph’s surgery was successful—with no need for a total lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), chemotherapy or radiation treatment, which are all available at Holy Cross Health, if needed.
“Every single thing that could go right for me went right—from early detection five years ago, to constant monitoring and to this treatment,” says Joseph.
Early Detection and Research
Virginia, 73, was inspired by her husband’s experience and decided to seek early detection for lung cancer herself. She joined the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) research study, part of a global clinical trial at Holy Cross Health to screen for early-stage lung cancer using low-dose CT scans to detect tiny spots on the lungs.
“It took just a few minutes and was absolutely painless,” Virginia explains. “When I originally had the scan done, I did it for selfish reasons. As a former smoker, I wanted to know if I had any lung issues. But when I learned more about the research study, I felt like I had also done something really important for others as well.”
Virginia is immensely relieved at the good results of the scan, and is celebrating Holy Cross Health along with all of her other blessings this year. “I believe Joe is alive today because of his surgery at Holy Cross Hospital, and we are so grateful for that gift,” she says.
Complete Cancer Care
Holy Cross Health’s cancer services provide comprehensive, innovative and personalized treatment for lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, gynecologic and other cancers. It also includes access to clinical trials and support services like counseling, home care and support groups.