An X-ray and CT scan revealed a lump in her lung in early 2020, just as COVID-19 made access to care more complicated. After a biopsy confirmed a localized adenocarcinoma, Anka researched various cancer centers in the area. Drawn to Fred Hutch for its clinical expertise and reputation, Anka reached out to speak to a thoracic radiation oncologist for a consultation. She knew she needed surgery and radiation and she wanted to pursue proton therapy as her radiation treatment option, especially when she learned that her cancer was right next to a major artery. Anka was concerned that she would have to give up her active lifestyle – she’s very involved in Slavic dancing, but Proton therapy, with its more targeted approach, was a viable alternative to traditional radiation for her.
“We believe in arming our patients with knowledge about all the treatment options available to them so they can choose what is best suited to their wishes and priorities,” said Jing Zeng, MD, Anka’s physician and medical director at the proton therapy facility. “I am glad Anka found a treatment she was comfortable pursuing.”
Anka’s first several post-treatment CT scans have looked clear, and she is confident in the treatment plan developed by her care team. “Dr. Zeng is so down-to-earth and a good communicator,” said Anka. “She explains everything well, and I feel like I come out of every appointment with her with more knowledge.”
Still, proton therapy wasn’t easy for Anka. The radiation burned her chest and left her extremely tired. She avoided other common radiation side effects such as blisters and esophagitis. She was also able to continue her work as an operations manager the entire time and scheduled her treatment appointments for the end of the day, when she could go home afterwards to a network of family and good friends who supported her throughout her treatment.
Though she isn’t ready to go back to the Slavic dancing she used to do, Anka has resumed walking with friends and lifting weights to build muscle mass. She can mow the lawn over the span of two days. Though some scar tissue in the lung is making it difficult to breathe, she’s reminding herself that it takes time to get back to how she felt before treatment. “Where I am right now is pretty doggone good,” she said.
