Cancer free after robotic lung surgery

Valencia Watson of Jackson had been a light smoker before quitting many years ago. So, she was surprised to learn she had lung cancer at age 69. Determined to be a survivor, Valencia had robotic surgery at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital.

“I found that I was coughing a lot and easily becoming short of breath,” Valencia said. “I had trouble going up and down stairs and eventually didn’t have the breath to finish a sentence.” When a chest x-ray revealed a suspicious spot in Valencia’s lung, she was referred to thoracic surgeon Mohan Kulkarni, M.D. After performing a biopsy, Dr. Kulkarni confirmed the spot in Valencia’s lung was cancerous and needed to be surgically removed.

“The thought of surgery was scary, but having cancer in my body was even scarier,” Valencia recalled. “All I could think of was that I wanted it out now.” Dr. Kulkarni recommended minimally invasive surgery assisted by the da Vinci robot. “He put me at ease right away by explaining everything clearly and answering all my questions,” Valencia said. When Dr. Kulkarni asked if she wanted to speak with anyone before deciding, she didn’t hesitate to answer. “I told him I am the captain of my own ship, and I want the surgery as soon as possible,” Valencia said.

When she entered the operating room a few weeks later, Valencia had her first doubts. “I was surprised to have so many people on my surgical team, and seeing the robot for the first time was overwhelming,” she said. “But I knew I would be alright when the team assured me they perform these surgeries often and they would take very good care of me.”

After her tumor was removed successfully, Valencia was relieved to learn she did not require chemotherapy or radiation treatment. She is now breathing easier and rebuilding her strength. “I’m so grateful for my wonderful team at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital,” she said. “I’m looking forward to relaxing with a book at Vandercook Lake this summer and getting together with my friends.