Marlyn Landin

Getting the Diagnosis

Marlyn, a resident of Maryland, worked as a hair stylist for 25 years prior to her diagnosis. Life was simple, and she enjoyed spending her down time in the company of her grandsons. Health-wise, she had experienced some trouble with a collapsed lung in the past, but other than that, she was in good health.

Then, in the spring of 2000, Marlyn started experiencing back pain that she said felt like a pulled muscle. To be on the safe side, she went to the doctor. The doctor requested an X-ray.

The x-ray findings left her doctors disconcerted. A CT scan was ordered for her right lung, hoping that it would provide more information. The results showed a tumor in the lung. More tests were then performed because imaging tests alone aren’t conclusive when it comes to diagnosing cancer. Marlyn’s doctors ordered a biopsy and a pathology report from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

After waiting patiently, Marlyn was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. The tumor was large and attached to the bone. She was given a prognosis of 6 months.

Marlyn's Treatment Plan

After Marlyn’s diagnosis, she had to wait on her doctors to determine the plan of action. The Naval Medical Center, however, wasn’t equipped to treat a disease like mesothelioma. Luckily, Marlyn’s doctors admitted this and immediately suggested a mesothelioma specialist.

Dr. Rusch is one of the leading mesothelioma specialists in the country. She is on the frontline of mesothelioma research and has been the principal investigator in many clinical trials. Marlyn was in good hands.

Gemcitabine and Cisplatin

Dr. Rusch prescribed chemotherapy to shrink Marlyn’s tumor before surgery. Marlyn experienced some side effects at first, such as nausea and vomiting, but Dr. Rusch adjusted the dose and continued more rounds of chemotherapy.

Alimta, the current standard treatment for mesothelioma, still hadn’t been approved in 2000. Gemcitabine and cisplatin, used together, however, were showing considerable success in many patients. Maryln is a stunning example. Her mesothelioma responded very well to this particular chemotherapy combination.

Every patient is different and some respond to types of chemotherapy that others do not. In Marlyn’s case, the gemcitabine and cisplatin combination was effective.

Surgery

Marlyn had a pneumonectomy to remove her tumor. Part of her right lung, the lining surrounding the lung and five ribs were removed during her surgery. This procedure is uncommon for mesothelioma patients. Most doctors prefer to remove the whole lung, or just the lining surrounding the lung. However, Dr. Rusch’s decision to perform a pneumonectomy seemed to do the trick in Marlyn’s case. Marlyn’s mesothelioma hasn’t needed any treatment since.

Marlyn’s treatment plan was somewhat different than that used for other mesothelioma patients.

Those like Dr. Rusch have the most experience with this rare disease and are able to interpret each diagnosis better than a general oncologist.

Life After Treatment

Marlyn is appreciative that she was able to take her life back once her disease reached remission, even if it isn’t the same as before her diagnosis. She has experienced some lasting effects of her battle with mesothelioma. Her breathing has never quite returned to normal and she’s not able to work anymore. However, she is thankful that she has been granted more time with her family.

The doctors at the Naval Medical Center didn’t hesitate to recommend a specialist, and the specialist they recommended was experienced enough to know what to do.

Like many cancer survivors, Marlyn believes that positivity is crucial when facing mesothelioma. Letting go of negative emotions like anger and despair is necessary to developing a mindset for healing.