I was stage 0 when diagnosed, very early, that is why they recommended going straight to surgery. I had my surgery done at IU med center in Indianapolis 9/7/10 and was released 3 weeks later. During my time there I complained about not being able to breath and they daily took X-rays and said nothing was wrong. My thoracic surgeon was dismissive to my complaints and I was sent home, I was home a week when I was found passed out and rushed back with a punctured lung that was full of blood.

I had to have my entire Ivory/Lewis incision reopened to repair the lung and rewire the ribs back together. After this I suffered for 8 yrs, in and out of different hospitals around Indy, before finally going to the Mayo clinic.