Patient Experience

Glenn Barnett

Four years ago, Glenn Barnett learned he only had six months to live.

“This one doctor told me, ‘You should start getting your papers in order,’” Glenn said. “He told me, ‘You probably will not get an oncologist to take your case. About the only thing we can do is keep you comfortable for the next few months.’”

The time was August 2005, and Glenn and his wife, Sharon, were enjoying their retirement in Florida. He had gone to the doctor after feeling ill and noticing he lost his breath when he talked. The doctor did an X-ray and CAT scan but found nothing suspicious. However, Glenn’s symptoms persisted and began to worsen. Six months later Glenn went for another checkup, which included additional X-rays and a CAT scan. The tests’ results were unmistakable.

“They said I had eight different spots on my lungs and my lymph nodes,” Glenn said. “They sent me to a pulmonary doctor. I went the whole circuit and then they told me I had six months to live. I was shocked, but I told my wife there’s no way I’m going for that.”

Refusing to give up on himself, Glenn contacted a cardiologist friend and told him of his predicament.

“I said, ‘They’re telling me it’s beyond surgery. And they’re telling me that it’s beyond chemo and radiation treatment.’ I said, ‘They’re saying that it’s already in stage IV,’” Glenn remembered. “My friend said, ‘You have to get it out.’”

Fortunately, the cardiologist knew Kathy Albain, MD, a lung cancer specialist at Loyola University Health System’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center in Maywood, Ill., and professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He referred Glenn to Dr. Albain. His first appointment was in September 2005.

“Dr. Albain told me that she would do the best she could for me, but I had to be committed to what they were going to do,” Glenn said.

A multidisciplinary team of specialists at Loyola came to a same day, consensus opinion on the best treatment plan for Glenn. The team included surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists, as well as a complete professional staff including oncology nurses, psychologists, dietitians, social workers and chaplains who tailor their level of support as needed. Although surgery could not be done, in less than two weeks, Glenn began a specially targeted program that combined chemotherapy and radiation to save his life.

Today, Glenn is approaching the five-year anniversary of his cancer diagnosis, and he insists that he couldn’t feel any better. He and Sharon have moved to Bensenville, Ill., and both are living active lives. They have two grandchildren they enjoy and are looking forward to celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary in January.

“I feel that every day is a holiday. Things are fantastic,” the 67-year-old said.

To monitor his health, Glenn sees Dr. Albain every six months for a checkup, which includes a CAT scan.

“I like Dr. Albain a lot. She treats me almost like a friend versus a patient. She said, ‘Everything’s looking good. You’re stable. See you in six months,’” Glenn said. “I had nothing but the best at Loyola. They couldn‘t treat me any better.”