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Mesothelioma

In the summer of 2009, Phyllis Ader experienced difficulty breathing. Her doctor thought it might be caused by bronchitis, so he prescribed medication. But her symptoms did not improve. "My sister had bronchitis at the same time, but she recovered and I didn't," recalled Phyllis. Her doctor ordered an x-ray, which did not uncover anything suspicious - in fact, her lung did not show up. The radiologist figured she had a lung removed.

Her doctor grew concerned and sent Phyllis to her local hospital where doctors realized her lung had collapsed and was filled with fluid. When they removed the fluid, her lung did not inflate, as it should have. They took biopsies and placed talc to 'glue her lung' to the chest wall. Further testing revealed she had a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often the result of exposure to asbestos. When Phyllis was young, she worked in her father's restaurant, which was located in Mansfield, New Jersey next to an infamous asbestos plant. She will never know for sure if that was the cause, but since she never smoked, she believes it may have been. The disease originates in the meothelium, a protective lining that covers organs - and is most often found in the chest cavity.

"I wanted to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center for a second opinion."

Oncologists at her local hospital diagnosed Phyllis with stage III/IV mesothelioma, which is very aggressive. They suggested a course of chemotherapy, but they were not sure how long it would prolong her life. "I was tiered and had lost weight, but as soon as I digested the news, I wanted to go to Fox Chase Cancer Center for a second opinion," admitted Phyllis, whose cousin had been treated for prostate cancer there.

Phyllis made her first appointment with a thoracic surgeon, Avi Lebenthal, MD. "After meeting me, Dr. Lebenthal could tell I was a mess - both physically and mentally," said Phyllis. He explained that her treatment would depend on her stage of diease, as well as review of the biopsies taken in New Jersey by Fox Chase pathologists. Dr. Lebenthal told Phyllis he would be her "quarterback" and coordinate all of her care.

"During our initial visit, Dr. Lebenthall was concerned about swelling that I had in one leg and immediately ordered tests," recalled Phyllis. The test results confirmed that Phyllis had a life-threatening blood clot in her leg and good lung, so she was hospitalized for one day. A filter was placed in her main vein (vena cava) and she began taking blood thinners.

"Dr. Lebenthal comforted me throughout this ordeal and eased my mind."

Dr. Lebenthal recommended a cervical staging mediastinoscopy (a biopsy of lymph nodes along the trachea to stage progression of the diesease) and a feeding tube to help Phyllis receive adequate nutrition. Next, he arranged for a therapist work with Phyllis at her house to build her strength, so she could undergo surgery.

"I couldn't have asked for better people to take care of me."

By September, Dr. Lebenthal evaluated Phyllis again and decided she was strong enough for surgery. He performed a delicate procedure, called a radical pleurectomy, to remove the cancer from Phyllis's chest. She spent several days in intensive care and admits she was scared. "Everything turned out fine. I couldn't have asked for better people to take care of me. The staff treated me like I was a queen," shared Phyllis. "From the nurses to the janitor - everyone was attentive to my needs."

"Dr. Lebenthal is phenomenal."

Following the surgery, Phyllis learned that Dr. Lebenthal was able to remove all of the cancer during the extensive procedure. "Dr. Lebenthal is phenomenal. He stopped in to see me several times and always gave me a hug. Not only is he up front and honest, which is important, but he is a caring and compassionate doctor."

"I met Dr. Simon and liked him from the get-go."

Phyllis recovered from surgery and began her next step - chemotherapy. "I met Dr. Simon and liked him from the get-go," Phyllis thought. George Simon, MD, is a medical oncologist who specializes in treating patients with thoracic cancers, such as mesothelioma. He told Phyllis, "God gave people spare parts for a simple reason - you can survive with one lung." That gave her hope for the future.

In the fall of 2009, Phyllis is scheduled to complete her treatment with a course of radiation therapy. Her radiation treatment plan will be developed by Dr. Lebenthal, along with her radiation oncologist, Nicos Nicolaou, MD, who Phyllis calls "A doll. I am so fortunate to have the best team of doctors looking out for me all working together to get me the best possible result. Each one is so special."

Phyllis is also grateful to her 3 grown children for their help in getting her to and from doctor appointments. She became a widow in 1995, when she lost her husband to lung cancer. At that point, her youngest daughter, Michelle, invited her mom to live with her family. Phyllis helps take care of the house - and her grandchildren. For fun, Phyllis creates ceramic pieces of art.

"I don't think I would have survived as long as I have if I went somewhere else."

"Fox Chase is not like any other hospital," Phyllis added. "The people treat you like family." Although there are other hospitals closer to her home, Phyllis said she would not consider going anywhere other than Fox Chase. "I don't think I would have survived as long as I have if I went somewhere else."

Learn more about mesothelioma treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.