My name is Patrick and I am a US Navy Aircrew Veteran from 1959-1965, a member of Air Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron VS32, flying in Grumman S2F’s attached to the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain CVS 39. I never imagined that my journey in my golden years would be as alarming and life-threatening as my career in the Navy where I completed water survival training, flew backseat, and relied on the skills of the 25-year-old pilots during catapult takeoffs and tail hook landings on rolling pitching flight decks…many times at night!

Fast forward to May 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I had no symptoms until I coughed up blood twice. I called my primary care physician who immediately arranged for a chest scan with contrast which revealed a lesion in my right lung, indicating the possibility of lung cancer. I met with a thoracic surgeon who arranged for a PET scan and lung biopsy which led to a RUL/RML lobectomy on June 9, 2020.

I was diagnosed with stage 3A lung cancer with one compromised lymph node. It was suggested that chemotherapy treatment begin. Reminder: in July 2020, COVID-19 was spiking nationwide. In my home state of Florida cases were on the rise, while cases were declining in New York.

I began my chemotherapy treatment on July 20, 2020 at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan. The third and last cycle was on September 11, 2020.

My approach to the cancer treatment included extensive research in each linear and binary step during the entire process, while relying on my spiritual grounding to work through the multiple side effects.

I found the experience of healthcare professionals to be of great value. They had more years and experience than the 25-year-old carrier pilots back in my Navy years. And of course, my wife, children, grandchildren, and friends were great anchors during the process. KUDOS!

I am thankful for GO2 for Lung Cancer leadership and staff, along with the Phone Buddy program. My first session with my assigned Phone Buddy was of great value. As the journey continues, I am encouraged knowing that I should be feeling almost like my former self after 6 to 8 months.