"My dad was a heavy smoker and, naturally, smoked at home. I was 8 years old when I started to smoke and I remember taking cigarettes out of my father’s pack and hiding them in my textbooks and comic books. I would smoke in an old garage or the men’s room at school. I couldn’t wait to get my cigarettes.
I was always kind of cautious about my health because prostate cancer runs in my family and I knew the dangers of smoking. I didn’t want cancer to sneak up on me. When I went in for regular physicals I always told my doctors that I was a smoker and always asked if I should have some sort of lung test. My doctor finally told me about some smoking cessation classes at St. Joseph Hospital. I called and, during the conversation, was told about the early detection CT screening that was available.
I put off the test for several months before I finally went in. Shortly after the test, I got the results telling me that there was a spot on my lung. My doctor called me and told me it was probably a lung scar from a childhood fever or something and not to worry about it. He never encouraged me to follow up on the test results.
I probably wouldn’t have done anything about it had the St. Joseph Hospital (Thoracic Oncology) manager not continued to pursue me. She encouraged me to do additional tests and, sure enough, the spot was cancerous.
Today, my cancer is in remission and I’m a living testimonial for early detection. I have nothing but praise for St. Joseph Hospital and their staff and the way they treat their patients. I won’t move out of the area because of St. Joseph Hospital; that’s how strongly I feel. And I thank the Lung Program (Thoracic Oncology) manager whose diligence helped me quit procrastinating and have the screening.
There’s no question that test saved my life and I hope that my experience will encourage others to get tested and maybe save their lives."
Al Geiseweidt
Lung Cancer Survivor
"As of today, it has been 1 month and 7 days since my last puff. Day by day, it continues to become easier as I grow used to my daily routing without cigarettes. Physically, my throat has remained clearer and I am not dealing with the hassles of clearing my throat all the time which has plagued me for the past couple of years. Mentally, I did not expect this, but I feel much more positive on a daily basis. I know that there will be many more new things to come and I look forward to it.
"Thank you so much for your help and support. With your help and education, I was able to overcome the most difficult feat that I have been confronted with in my life. Before your class, I believed that I had explored every option to no success. We were introduced to NRT on the first day in which you helped me find the Chantix which was a huge contributing factor to my success. The remaining sessions were filled with the most informative ways of changing out lifestyles and habits which best of all was catered to each and individual person in the class. All the various techniques will help me through the rest of my life.
"Anyone and everyone who is ready to quit should consider taking your
course. Not only was in informative and educational, but it was also fun.
You class has made a huge impact on my life in this short time and for the future to come."
A.M.
12/07