Why Choose Fox Chase? »Success Stories »Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Skin Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

When John Higgins made the decision in 1994 to seek the expertise of Fox Chase Cancer Center physicians for a second opinion, he had no idea the relationship would continue for the next 13+ years.

In 1994, John noticed a lump on his shoulder, near the clavicle, although he felt no pain. His family doctor knew right away things were not good. A biopsy confirmed John had a tumor in his left lung, and 9 more in his lymph nodes.

"I went to Fox Chase for a second opinion and I liked what I saw."

"My local hospital estimated I had 2 years to live. I went to Fox Chase for a second opinion and I liked what I saw," said John.

Dr. Michael Millenson, a medical oncologist at Fox Chase, was John's physician. He explained that other patients with John's diagnosis had a 5% chance to survive 5 years. Luckily, John proved them wrong.

John started chemotherapy, which was followed by radiation. Three months later, John considered himself "cured."

Just when John hit the magical 5-year mark, a routine CAT Scan showed John had developed a new and different tumor in his right lung. Again, John experienced no pain or symptoms. This time is was squamous cell, small cell and adenocarcimona all in one small tumor.

"I am so thankful to the doctors at Fox Chase for continuing to watch me."

"I am so thankful to the doctors at Fox Chase for continuing to watch me and perform follow-up tests on a routine basis. If it wasn't for these check-ups, the tumor would have continued to grow," explained John.

Because John had already received radiation on his lungs, he could not get radiation again. Dr. Melvyn Goldberg, a retired surgical oncologist at Fox Chase removed the lower lobe on John's right lung. Dr. Millenson prescribed more chemotherapy to ensure the cancer was gone. Several months later, John considered himself "cured" once again.

"It was lucky I followed my doctor's orders and had the colonoscopy."

Then, in 2002, a colonoscopy would reveal that John had rectal cancer. "I couldn't believe it," said John. "It was the 3rd time I had a whole new cancer. It was lucky I followed my doctor's orders and had the colonoscopy."

Treatment for rectal cancer started with surgery performed by Dr. Elin Sigurdson at Fox Chase. Next, John met with Dr. Gary Freedman, his radiation oncologist and, of course, Dr. Millenson, who prescribed additional chemotherapy.

"For some of my treatments, I was admitted to the hospital. I thought the nurses at Fox Chase were consistently nice," said John. "No one wants to stay in the hospital, but my stay was as nice as it could have been."

"I have had the best experience at Fox Chase. I wouldn't have done it any other way."

"I can't say enough about the doctors. I've compared notes with friends who have gone to other hospitals and I have had the best experience at Fox Chase. I wouldn't have done it any other way," explained John.

John was just about to learn of his 4th cancer - squamous cell carcinoma, or skin cancer. While John's doctors were watching a spot on his cheek for about 15 years, it was Dr. Stuart Lessin, a dermatologist at Fox Chase, who determined it was cancerous. Dr. Neal Topham, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery, performed a procedure to safely remove the cancer, while minimally affecting his appearance.

Last but not least, another routine CAT Scan detected a small lesion in John's mid-lobe of the right lung in early 2008. Dr. Walter Scott, surgical oncologist at Fox Chase, performed the surgery to remove the tumor. His doctors will continue to monitor John's health with frequent testing.

"As a long time smoker, I realize I am largely responsible for my 5 cancers and I would suggest anyone should have regular check-ups with their family physician," said John. "My wife, Patricia, and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in October. I would like to thank my family doctor along with the many highly skilled doctors, nurses and technicians at Fox Chase Cancer Center for making this possible."

Learn more about colorectal cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Learn more about lung cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Learn more about non-melanoma treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.