A Decade of Resilience: Trevor Sansom's Journey with Lung Cancer
Ten years after his lung cancer diagnosis, 78-year-old Trevor Sansom is happy to be alive, thanks to the exceptional care he received at the PA Hospital’s Cancer Trials Unit.
When Trevor, a retired limousine driver, first learned about his condition from his doctor at the hospital, he began with radiation therapy.
“My doctor told me the cancer was at the apex of my right lung,” Trevor recalls.
“I underwent 12 hits of radiation each day for several weeks.”
After completing his radiation treatment, Trevor was recommended for clinical trials and transferred to oncology for further evaluation and treatment.
“Following weeks in Radiology, I transitioned straight into clinical trials facilitated by Oncology,” he shares.
“I essentially swapped radiation for a series of drug trials.”
These alternative treatment pathways provided Trevor with access to cutting-edge therapies, supported by valuable scientific insights and the collaborative efforts of the cancer care community and wider hospital teams.
“Simply put, the biggest impact these trials had on my well-being is that I’m still alive today,” Trevor remarks.
“The cancer is still present, but my doctors say it hasn’t grown or spread. Without the clinical trials, I’d likely not be here now.”
As of today, Trevor’s condition has significantly improved, reaching a point of stabilization.
“I’m doing great. It’s fantastic. I now only need to visit the hospital every three weeks for periodic check-ups.”
Reflecting on this important milestone in his treatment journey, Trevor has only positive things to say about the hospital and its staff.
“From my very first visit, every staff member I met was incredibly supportive and understanding.”
“They always took the time to listen and answer my questions, ensuring I fully understood my condition and treatment plan.”
“I will forever be grateful to every nurse and doctor for their professionalism and care.”
Trevor's journey is a testament to the life-saving impact of clinical trials and the dedication of healthcare professionals. These advancements are made possible through the generosity of donors. Your donations directly fund groundbreaking research and provide patients like Trevor with access to cutting-edge treatments that can make all the difference in their lives.
You can support research and clinical work like the treatments that have helped Trevor and many others here.
