News and Information

Centerpoint Summer 2010 (PDF)

A Second Opinion Creates a Second Chance

When Pat Colucci-Coritt met with Dr. Clarence Sasaki, Chairman and Charles W. Ohse Professor of Otolaryngology at Yale Cancer Center, for a second opinion after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, she was shocked to learn that the cancer had extended to her tongue.  She had not been aware of this previously, and was now faced with processing the news that her cancer had spread. 

Pat had a surgical procedure known as a lymph node dissection performed in order to remove lymph nodes from the side of her neck where cancer cells may have migrated.  She spent one night in the hospital following her surgery. She also underwent 28 subsequent radiation treatments under the care of Dr. Yung Son, Professor of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale, using brachytherapy.  Brachytherapy is a technique that allows for the implantation of small radioactive seeds into or in close proximity to a tumor, which can provide radiation to tumors in a very specific and controlled fashion; in total 74 seeds was implanted in her tongue and throat.

As a psychologist, Pat’s voice is important for communicating with her patients.  Thanks to the carefully planned and specific radiation treatment she received, her vocal cords were spared any damage from the treatment.  Pat continued to see her patients throughout her treatment, even though her doctors forewarned her that there was a chance she may not be able to continue.

The day that Pat was scheduled for her lymph node dissection surgery, was the same day that her daughter started high school.  She explained that her diagnosis was a very difficult time for the entire family, but that her two teenage daughters played an important role in her recovery. She relayed any pertinent information regarding her treatment to them and the few times they came with her for treatment, Pat said Dr. Son explained everything in a way so that they could understand and wouldn’t be frightened.  For Pat his interaction with her children was a gift, as it was one less thing she had to worry about.

“I wanted to keep my life as normal as possible, and the team at Yale was amazing in enabling me to do just that.  It was important to me to continue to participate fully in my girls’ lives. I wanted to maintain the same level of involvement that I’ve always had.  I didn’t want to miss an open house at school, a band competition, or a dance recital,” Pat said.  “My doctors also knew it was important to me that I keep working and instead of discouraging me, they encouraged me.  I was able to maintain my goal to continue working and did not miss any of my children’s activities.”

According to Pat, the most impressive part of her care was the multidisciplinary approach with which the team worked and how, together, they made decisions and coordinated her care.  She described their partnership as comforting to her, and helped her feel confident in the treatment she was receiving; she knew that every treatment appointment was a step toward a cure.

“Going through this experience there are times when you question whether you are going to die, and whether or not you can beat cancer. What helped me get through the tough days were my family and friends.  The support they provided me was unbelievable. The knowledge that people love and care for you is precious, and the treatment team at Yale was amazing.”

Radiation treatment was the most challenging process for Pat because it burned her throat and tongue.  While going through her radiation treatments, she met with Dr. Son weekly.  She described him as very honest, caring, and warm.  He encouraged her to ‘live life’ while undergoing treatment.  “Dr. Son is a very special person, and his nurse, Dee, was always available, kind, and supportive, as were the radiation technicians and support staff,” Pat commented.

Having always taken care of others in her life, Pat found it challenging to accept help from friends and family.  She eventually learned to let people help her, and that their involvement was their way of coping as well.  Although she could drive herself, Pat allowed family and friends to drive her to and from appointments, and let them cook meals for her.  She had counseled people not to ‘sweat the small stuff’ before, but never really knew what it meant to her personally until her treatment began.  She realized that she needed to follow her own advice.

Shelley Jolie, RN, BSN, Nurse Coordinator for the Head and Neck Cancer Program was Pat’s first contact at Yale.  For Pat, Shelly was reassuring from the first phone call and continued to reassure her and boost her confidence whenever she needed.  “My care team was treating my cancer, but in the process they were also giving me the strength I needed to beat this,” Pat explained.

“One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life was going to Yale,” Pat said.  “They have an amazing team and there is a confidence and assurance that you feel as soon as you walk in the door that you just don’t find anywhere else.  Each medical breakthrough made at Yale helps patients like me have a second chance at living a healthy life.  In combination with the high level of quality care provided at Yale, this disease doesn’t stand a chance for much longer.”