Tara said the scariest part of her lung cancer diagnosis was that she had no symptoms and no pain. Two CT (computed tomography) scans for unrelated health issues three years apart revealed a nodule on Tara’s lung.

“I’m blessed that mine was found by accident and identified as cancer by Dr. Block,” Tara said.

“She had a lung nodule that to me looked a little suspicious because it was growing over time,” said Mark Block, MD, Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery Program.

Together, Dr. Block and Tara decided surgery, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), would be the best option.

“We did the surgery,” according to Dr. Block, “Confirmed that this was indeed an early-stage lung cancer, and she fortunately now has a very good prognosis.”

“Dr. Block saved my life,” Tara said. “He’s given me an opportunity to see my kids grow up and someday meet my grandchildren. That wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t had the opportunity to work with him.”

Today, Tara says, “I’m living my best life. I’m healthy. I feel great. I have had no issues post-surgery, and I’m just ready to enjoy my life.