David Connolly’s physician didn’t mince words.
“What will I have to do?” asked Connolly.
“You’ll have a CT scan, we’ll take a look at your lungs, and then we’ll check again every three to four months,” said Dr. Sherry.
“Okay,” said Connelly. “I trust you, so I’ll do it.”
A retired electronic engineer who later developed benefit programs for construction workers, the 84-year-old Connolly lives in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Together with his wife, they delight in their family of five children and numerous grandchildren.
Still, they have had difficult times when dealing with Connolly’s many illnesses.
No stranger to cancer or Mountainside Medical Center, Connolly has undergone 13 surgeries during his 84 years. In addition to being diagnosed with melanoma, Connolly had surgeries for prostate cancer and a gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
Lung cancer surgery
As part of the lung cancer study, Connolly received a screening with a low-dose CT scan, a recommended annual test for adults 55 – 80 years old who have a 20-pack-a-year smoking history, currently smoke or have quit smoking in the last 15 years.
After the CT scan, Connolly met Daniel Mansour, M.D., a thoracic surgeon affiliated with Mountainside Medical Center.
Robotic surgery, also known as robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to remove lung nodules.
During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a console and controls robotic arms that are inserted through small incisions in the patient’s chest. The robotic arms produce a 3D view of the surgical area, which allows the surgeon to precisely locate and remove any lobes. The removed tissue is then sent to a pathologist for examination.
Robotic surgery uses smaller incisions, which causes less tissue damage. A small camera placed inside the patient provides a magnified view that improves surgical accuracy. The surgeon has precise control over the robotic arms, which allows for delicate maneuvers. Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery typically results in shorter hospital stays and faster returns to normal activities.
“Dr. Mansour explained each of the steps during the procedure and why the surgery was so important to my health,” said Connolly. “He was excellent, and the surgery turned out to be the easiest one I’ve had.”
Connolly can now turn his attention back to his family and spend more time in Cape Cod.
“I love to fish on the beach there and have caught lots of big fish,” recalled Connolly. “I could stay there forever, but my wife reminds me when it’s time to visit the girls. Considering my health history for 84 years, I never expected to live this long. I feel great!”
If you or someone you know meets the criteria for lung cancer screening, take a proactive step toward lung health by contacting the Mountainside Medical Center Lung Program at 973-429-6444 or visit our web page.