The Diagnosis...
The next morning, the young Valencia couple headed to the Emergency Department at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center for help. Jocelyn, an attorney who thrives on fitness and leads a healthy lifestyle, explained her symptoms to the emergency staff. A chest x-ray and CT scan revealed a mass in Jocelyn’s mediastinum — the space in front of her heart, just behind her breastbone. Jocelyn was immediately referred to an oncologist and to Roderick Yasuda, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon affiliated with Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.

“The most important thing we can do when we suspect cancer is to gather information about the nature of the cancer tissue,” explains Dr. Yasuda. “This allows us to recommend the most effective treatment for each patient.”

To get more information about the nature of the tumor, Jocelyn’s oncologist performed blood tests to identify markers for certain types of cancer, and Dr. Yasuda ordered a needle biopsy, a relatively non-invasive procedure. These tests indicated that the tumor in Jocelyn’s chest was a thymoma, a tumor in the small organ under the breastbone.

“In Jocelyn’s case, the tumor was discovered early and was encapsulated. The best course of treatment was to surgically remove the tumor,” explains Dr. Yasuda. “Additional therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary and will require the supervision of an oncologist.”

Thoracic Surgery at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
Like Jocelyn Nolan, many thousands of patients have relied on the expertise and compassion of Providence Holy Cross physicians and staff for more than 40 years.

The thoracic surgeons affiliated with Providence Holy Cross have provided continuous cardiothoracic care to patients in the San Fernando Valley since 1979, the longest established cardiothoracic practice in the area.

In addition, these surgeons lead the Valley in offering the most advanced thoracic surgical techniques. By using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) technology, surgeons diagnose and treat a comprehensive range of diseases of the chest, including infections, esophageal problems, tumors and cysts. Endoscopic instruments allow surgeons to perform these procedures through smaller incisions, promoting faster recovery, reduced scarring and less pain.

The Prognosis
Jocelyn’s prognosis is excellent. She reacted quickly to her symptoms and doctors caught Jocelyn’s cancer during the first stage, which describes how far cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Finding cancer in the early stages improves the effectiveness of treatment.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is a terrifying experience. You don’t want to believe it’s happening,” remembers Jocelyn. “But Dr. Yasuda was so confident. Every time I went to his office, I just felt better. He walked me through the whole thing so I wasn’t so scared.”

Now Jocelyn looks forward to celebrating a lifetime of Mother’s and Father’s Day holidays with her son. “At the time of my surgery, my little boy, Robert was 10 months old. I’m so glad I had symptoms and I’m so glad I went to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. If I had waited, who knows?”

The Art of Healing in Our Community
For illnesses ranging from lung cancer, to common chest problems, to problems with the trachea and airway, Providence Holy Cross cardiothoracic surgeons provide appropriate, effective diagnoses and treatments that result in the best possible outcomes for our patients. By offering state-of-the-art technology and high quality, compassionate care, the heart specialists of the Providence Heart and Vascular Institute remain at the forefront of cardiovascular care in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Our approach to treatment is a fusion of art and science that fully encompasses the mind, body and spirit of each individual. We call it THE ART OF HEALING.

For your personal success story, more information about the Providence Holy Cross thoracic surgery program, or a referral to a specialist or primary care physician call 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).