Brian Villanova of Lockport said on April 3 that early detection and surgery at Silver Cross Hospital allowed him to recover from Stage 1 lung cancer and look forward to spending more time with his family.
Villanova, a retired truck driver, said he smoked heavily for over five decades. Despite health issues in the past, including a heart attack and prostate surgery, he continued smoking until recent medical follow-ups revealed a growing spot on his lung. His primary care physician, Dr. Daniel Co of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, identified Villanova’s risk factors due to his long-term smoking habit and sedentary lifestyle.
After several years of monitoring, doctors noticed the spot had grown by about 15 percent in one year. Although an initial biopsy was inconclusive because of the location high in the lung, Villanova decided to proceed with surgery. “The silver dollar-sized piece of lung they took out turned out to show Stage 1 large cell carcinoma,” Villanova said. “And thankfully, it had not spread.” Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Gillian Alex performed laparoscopic surgery on Dec. 15 without opening his chest.
“Mr. Villanova’s success story is why we push early lung cancer CT screenings,” Dr. Alex said. “When we can catch it early, there is so much more chance of success. Lung cancer spreads so quickly. Mr. Villanova is a trooper. He should be able to go back to a normal life.” According to Villanova, he spent only two and a half days in the hospital after surgery and did not require further treatment or therapy.
Villanova now attends the gym regularly and plans future travel with his wife Alyce once fully recovered: “Dr. Alex, her assistant and the nurses at Silver Cross were amazing,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience and decision to quit smoking for good after surgery, Villanova added: “I finally realized being able to spend as much time with my grandchildren means more to me than smoking.”
