In honor of Allie Pazdan
Allie Pazdan of Greenville, SC, thought she had a viral infection. Another chest x-ray ruled out lung cancer, but the next one revealed a mass in her right kidney. The diagnosis was confirmed by a CT and an ultrasound.
Her urologist recommended either surgery or cryoablation. Her daughter in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Donna Friedman, conferred with an oncologist friend who recommended that she go to a teaching hospital for a second opinion. He stated that Dr. Rich Goldberg, UNC Lineberger associate director, was highly regarded. Dr. Goldberg referred her to Dr. Raj Pruthi, whom she came to see.
“Dr. Pruthi was excellent at explaining my kidney situation, " Mrs. Pazdan said. “He took a lot of time with me and my husband, Joe, and helped us make the decision to remove the kidney.”
The mass was inside the kidney so it could not be biopsied. Mrs. Pazdan had her tumor removed surgically on July 30 and is doing fine. “We felt so good about my care team at UNC Lineberger.”
“If you’re diagnosed with cancer, get a second opinion from someone who fully understands what your medical situation is. Then become familiar with what your problem is, educate yourself, and have confidence in your therapy. After treatment, get on with your life.”