NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Ascension St. Thomas is expanding the way they treat and care for lung cancer patients.
It comes at a time when lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the state.
Data shows Tennessee has a rate of 70 new lung cancer cases per 100,000 people, higher than the national rate of 54.6.
In 2020, Ascension St. Thomas got a state of the art, robotic assisted device that advanced the possibilities for minimally invasive lung cancer care.
It has allowed for more precise biopsies and has meant that doctors can identify possibly cancerous tumors earlier than ever before.
On top of that, the diagnosis of the cancer and removal can take place at the same time, a critical advancement officials said for care.
Those services were first only offered at the West Nashville location, but now they’re expanding to the Midtown and Rutherford campuses.
They’ll get the devices later this month to be able to serve more patients.
“I’ve never met anyone like Tennie.”
That’s how one neighbor at Stones River Manor in Murfreesboro describes Tennie Fitzpatrick, who has mastered as many as seven different musical instruments. Each day, Tennie shares those talents with residents, workers and visitors. It’s an ability Tennie herself believes is “a gift from God.” That’s because Tennie is blind, and overcame a difficult, abusive childhood. Forrest Sanders shares this truly inspirational story.
- Rhori Johnston
