In the spring of 2009, I noticed that I was having a hard time breathing. By the end of August, I also had a severe pain in my chest. I contacted Dr. Sileo, my internist, and after finding some relief with antibiotics, I became somewhat better. The symptoms were that of a severe asthma case. However, when the pain and the difficulty in breathing returned, Dr. Sileo recommended seeing a pulmonary specialist.

 

At the same time, I got in touch with Dr. Favret, my oncologist, who listened to my breathing and decided to order an MRI. The MRI showed a tumor and the doctor suggested it might be able to be removed through a bronchospy. I had that procedure at the end of the year, but it did not remove the tumor completely. The tumor was cancerous and was defined as mucoepidermoid cancer of the left lung.

 

I was referred to Dr. Paul Bajaj a radiation oncologist, and he explained some options to me, either radiation or surgery and the possibility of follow-up services. Dr. Bajaj contacted Dr. Khandhar whom I met in early January 2010. Dr. Khandhar explained to my husband and me that surgery, a pneumonectomy of the left lung, would be the most successful way to treat the cancer. The office visits were very informative, and all questions were always answered. I had a person detailed to me who set up appointments so that I did not have to do that. That was very helpful. The office staff was always courteous and helpful.

 

My surgery was February 1, 2010. My two day hospital stay at Inova Fairfax went off smoothly. Dr. Khandhar and his team checked on me twice every day and made sure everything was being done for my recovery. I only have praise for the operating and nursing teams. They all worked efficiently and avoided any time of delay. An important part of my recovery was the breathing exercises that begin right after surgery. I’m still doing breathing exercise three times a day.

At home, my husband, son Justin and daughter Diana, who made it from Greensboro, NC in time before the February snowstorm, good neighbors and friends provided meals for us. Surprisingly, I had less pain than I anticipated – good thing! Dr. Khandhar had me walk a couple times immediately after surgery. Walking was an ingredient for recovery and soon I moved around better than I thought I would.

 

After two weeks, I started to cook again, did very light housework started physical therapy by the end of February. I made it a point to walk on the treadmill. By May, I was back doing yoga, weight training and walking. I do it somewhat slower, but I’m able to work out. I am able to go up a flight of stairs easily however I collect everything to avoid a second or third run. My son and husband have to be my legs at times. I do almost everything I did before surgery, I’m not jogging yet, and at times I take a breather when I need it. The numbness around the surgery site eventually recedes, but patience, positive thinking and prayers are major ingredients in this process and Dr. Khandhar and his staff are always available in case any questions surface.

 

I’m grateful for all the help, time and attention Dr. Khandhar, his medical and office staff devoted to me. Without hesitation and deep admiration for Dr. Khandhar’s medical skills, knowledge and his dedication to his patients, I am recommending him to anybody who needs lung surgery.