RETIRED URGENT CARE DOCTOR URGENTLY NEEDED DR. LAGA
Linda Meyer, a retired urgent care physician with a family history of lung cancer, urgently needed a life-saving lung lobe removal procedure. As a doctor, Linda understood the medical intricacies of her case, and as a long-standing local practitioner, she wondered who she could trust to handle her complicated case. Linda had the knowledge and means to go anywhere to get the best care for herself, and she sought out world-class Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Stephen Laga, right here at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital.
FAMILY HISTORY CAUSES CONCERN
Linda said, “As a physician, I practice what I always preached to my patients, and I keep up with my regular check-ups and screenings. I lost three of my younger sisters to lung cancer. It is completely devastating what lung cancer has done to my family. I’m seventy-four years old now and a non-smoker, but when we were growing up, my sisters and I all smoked. It was a stupid thing to do, but it seemed like smoking was just something most people did back then. I smoked half a pack a day for several years until I quit. Even being smoke-free for many decades, annual lung cancer screenings are imperative to quickly identify and deal with any changes.”
In 2024, Linda’s annual lung cancer screening with Dr. Davuluri, Pulmonologist, identified the development of three little nodules. “I was hysterical,” said Linda. “With my professional knowledge and my family history, I knew what these nodules could do to me. Dr. Davuluri invited Dr. Laga into the discussion about my treatment plan. Dr. Laga came down to see me right away. The nodules were too small to biopsy, so we decided that the best course of action was complete removal of the lobe where the nodules were located. Time was of the essence, and Dr. Laga immediately made time for me. I was so worried, and Dr. Laga hugged me and assured me that I was going to be okay. It’s tricky for a doctor to choose another doctor. We have extensive knowledge and can be very critical of our peers. Dr. Laga is not only highly skilled and capable, but he also has a calm demeanor and a sincerely caring attitude that comforted my nerves. I knew that with Dr. Laga, I would be receiving the best care possible.”
Dr. Laga said, “My fundamental approach to being a physician is what I believe made a positive impact on Linda. I collect information, identify obstacles, compare alternatives, collaborate with my peers, communicate effectively, and align my practice with my values of caring for others like they are my own family. It means a great deal to me that my services were sought out by another physician. I praise Linda for her dedication to receiving routine primary care. It was the early detection of these masses that helped her have a successful outcome.”
DR. LAGA SKILLED IN COMPLEX LUNG LOBE REMOVAL
“The procedure I had to remove one lobe without disturbing the others was incredibly complex,” said Linda, “and, without Dr. Laga, I would have had to travel out of the area to have this done. It is because of Dr. Laga and the support of the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital team that advanced procedures such as this are now offered right here in Kenosha.”
Dr. Laga said, “The mass that needed to be removed from Linda’s lung was in her right middle lobe. I was able to perform the procedure minimally invasively, and Linda did exceedingly well. I established protocols for an updated technique that allows chest tubes to come out quickly and for patients to breathe deeply and cough without pain. This reduces ICU time and overall hospital stay length. Linda had an uncomplicated post-operative recovery, and she was released to go home within a few days. It is incredibly rewarding to see a patient like Linda be happy and pain-free after a major operation.”
SCREENINGS SAVE LIVES
Linda said, “I was an urgent care doctor for thirty-five years. I saw my patients once, and I typically would not treat that same individual ever again. I had one opportunity to give my patients life-saving information. I had one shot to make a lasting impact. I was always a fierce advocate for annual screenings and testing. A simple colonoscopy, lung scan, or mammogram could end up being a life-saving event. I was adamant that my patients were educated about annual testing, and thank goodness I listened to my own advice. If you have cancer, it’s there whether you know it or not. You might as well catch it while it is small and can be dealt with. There are doctors who dedicate their lives to helping you live healthier longer. All these screenings and tests are available to you. All you must do is get yourself to a screening. I know I’m not sugar-coating it, but it is unacceptable to not take advantage of the resources and people who are trying to help you. An annual lung screening saved my life.”
PEACE AND KINDNESS PERMEATE RECOVERY
Dr. Laga said, “Linda experienced a swift and uneventful recovery from this major operation due to her excellent overall physical fitness and well-being, and the lesions were found to not be cancerous.”
Linda said, “Forty-five years ago, I started doing five hundred sit-ups per day for more superficial reasons. Three and a half decades as a doctor also taught me that core strength and general fitness would benefit more than my waistline. So, even at my age, I still do five hundred sit-ups every day. My good health has aided my recovery but so has the kindness of Dr. Laga. Having lost three sisters to lung cancer, my diagnosis traumatized me. Dr. Laga’s expertise and healing qualities brought me great peace. I will be forever grateful for him.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Cardiology, contact 262-653-5483.
