Gary Hochheiser, M.D.; Stephanie Carpenito, R.N., BSN, OCN, CHPN; and Brooke Coombs, R.N., BSN
In December 2016, Lorie Albert was involved in a car accident that became a stroke of luck. After the accident, a CAT scan at Maine Medical Center showed a tumor in her lung. “I had never smoked in my life, so I thought I was safe.” Lorie was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers.
After the diagnosis, Lorie had a big decision to make. She had the choice to go to Boston for treatment, or stay at Maine Medical Center. After considering her treatment options, she realized that she could receive the most advanced treatment for her specific cancer right here at home, near family and friends who would give her the support and strength she needed to fight back. The choice was easy for Lorie.
“Maine Medical Center was a wonderful experience, and I didn’t feel like I had anything to worry about because they were taking care of me,” Lorie said. “The nurse navigator ended up being a real advocate for me, and I had a very good surgeon.”
At Maine Medical Center, under the skilled care of oncology surgeon Gary Hochheiser, M.D., Lorie underwent a lobectomy to remove the tumor in her lung. “Great cancer care is dependent on the strength of a multidisciplinary team, and the support provided to new patients. We were so happy to be part of Lorie’s care,” said Dr. Hochheiser.
Today, Lorie’s prognosis is very good. In fact, if you’re ever visiting Sanford, Maine, you just might run into Lorie cruising around her hometown on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle. You’ll know her when you see her. She’s the one with the big smile, the wind in her hair, and a long stretch of road rolling out ahead of her.