Chantell’s Story
Finding Hope After Enrolling in Stage 4 Lung Cancer Clinical Trial
For 14 years, Chantell Burl of Detroit has worked in a seating plant in Highland Park without any major health issues. That changed in 2020, when she began experiencing symptoms she had never encountered. “One day out of the blue at work, I had a hard time breathing when I started walking,” she remembers. Concerned about the symptoms, she went to a local urgent care center, where they provided antibiotics and asthma treatment.
The symptoms, however, came back prompting Chantell to seek emergency care at Henry Ford Medical Center-Sterling Heights. Tests revealed Chantell had fluid buildup in her left lung. “After further testing, the news was devastating. I had lung cancer,” says Chantell who does not have a history of smoking cigarettes.
Deciding on treatment plan with Henry Ford experts
With faith and family by her side, Chantell sought treatment with Shirish Gadgeel, M.D. associate chief for research, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Cancer/Henry Ford Health and professor, Internal Medicine, Michigan State University.
“To be honest, my emotions were all over the place. I told Dr. Gadgeel initially I did not want to know what stage of lung cancer I had and after several weeks, he shared that I had stage 4 lung cancer,” she expresses.
After learning about the various treatment options, Chantell says Dr. Gadgeel informed her she would be eligible to participate in a lung cancer clinical trial. “My family initially was hesitant in that option, but the more I thought about it, I decided to enroll.”
Dr. Gadgeel explains Chantell had a mutation called Kras G12C and she was able to participate in a clinical trial open at that time evaluating an oral medication that targeted this mutation. “This pill was combined with immunotherapy as treatment in this clinical trial. It was my opinion that the clinical trial treatment was more specific for her cancer than the standard treatment of chemotherapy and immunotherapy or immunotherapy alone,” he says. “This is a major change in the management of advanced lung cancer. We have moved from an ‘all comers’ approach to a personalized treatment approach.”
Finding strength in the face of fear
Understandably feeling discouraged and depressed, Chantell says she will never forget the moment Dr. Gadgeel gave her the encouragement she needed. “My diagnosis happened during Covid when we were all masked,” she remembers. “We could barely see each other’s faces, but Dr. Gadgeel could see I was giving up. He looked intently in my eyes and told me I had to fight and not give up.”
That conversation was a turning point. Four years after the initial stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, Chantell says the first year was the most challenging but with her doctor’s encouragement and her will to do what it takes to beat the odds, she found new hope.“I was very tired all the time and required removal of my fluid buildup for several months the first year, but my fluid buildup subsided after several months of treatment and I was able to return to work during my second year of treatment,” she proudly states.
How lung cancer survival has evolved over the years
Dr. Gadgeel explains survival rates for patients like Chantell have markedly improved in recent years thanks to advances in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and clinical trials
A return to things that bring her joyWith continued successful treatment, Chantell is not only back to work but enjoying a renewed quality of life including spending time with her family, reading inspirational books, bowling and going to events with treasured friends.
“There were many moments early on that I did not have hope,” Chantell admits. “But thanks to Dr. Gadgeel who was so caring and offered me the chance to participate in the clinical trial that I believe saved my life, I have a renewed sense of hope.”