Stage 3 Lung Cancer: Mike’s Story

For Mike Stratten, a retired policeman, what began as a routine checkup unexpectedly turned into a life-alerting moment. What he heard was a familiar yet daunting echo from the past, ‘You have cancer.’ The diagnosis of lung cancer changed his world into one of uncertainty and apprehension for the second time in his life.

The Day That Changed Everything

In December 2017, Mike had pneumonia and breathing issues. Once he started to feel better, his doctor recommended a follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan to make sure the pneumonia was out of his lungs. Soon after, Mike saw Faisal Khan, MD, at the Franciscan Health Interventional Pulmonology Clinic in Indianapolis. There, Dr. Khan told Mike he found a large mass in the lower half of the left lung.

“It was big enough to require a bronchoscopy, a technique used to evaluate the inside of the airways,” said Dr. Khan.

Mike was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Stage 3 is a controllable stage.

“It’s a stage you can control but not generally cure,” Dr. Khan explained.

Mike knew he faced a challenging treatment journey.

Mike said as a policeman, “When I got up in the morning, I often didn’t know if I’d come back home that day, but I never really thought about it — I thought about doing my job, and if something happened, I dealt with it.”

“A cancer diagnosis is something totally different. When somebody says you’ve got stage 3 cancer, many things go through your head,” But Mike didn’t give up; he got through his treatments and was living well.

Unfortunately, in 2022, after ongoing surveillance scans using a low-dose CT scan, Dr. Khan identified an abnormality in the upper portion of the right lung.

“The growth was right at the top, behind the clavicle towards the inner half of the lung,” said Dr. Khan. “It’s a very difficult area to biopsy.”

A New Hope: MONARCH Robotic Technology

With the return of cancer in 2022, Mike’s battle intensified. However, this time, they had an advanced ally:Ethicon MONARCH™ robotic technology. Dr. Khan used this cutting-edge technology to view the inside of Mike’s lungs and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy.

“The platform allows for precise targeting of the cancerous cells,” said Dr. Khan. “The robot gives you the ability to make those fine millimeter adjustments. This more precise approach improves reach, vision and control during bronchoscopy procedures.” 

The traditional approach to a biopsy is inserting a needle from the outside.

“That would have been a huge risk for Mike, potentially giving him pneumothorax or deflating his lung,” said Dr. Khan. “His left lung is two-thirds gone, so the question became how to biopsy it.”

Multiple aspects of the MONARCH technology make a difference. With the robotic bronchoscope, the surgeon can reach the vicinity and focus on the mass by moving the tip of the scope in different directions through the controller.

“When the robotic technology was first introduced, I saw the potential it could bring. I knew it would be a game changer,” said Dr. Khan.

Franciscan Health Cancer Center in Indianapolis and Dr. Khan were among the earliest adopters of the technology and the first in the state to use it.

Support and Resilience

Throughout his journey, Mike’s wife stood as his unwavering support. Mike said she was not only his spouse but also his cheerleader, nurse, and the cornerstone of his support network. Their bond and mutual support were crucial in navigating the ups and downs of his treatment.

“She is probably one of the most important reasons I survived,” he said.

“I think my positive outcome this second time was also because of Dr. Khan, Dr. Garrett, the team and the MONARCH technology,” said Mike.

For Dr. Khan, treating patients like Mike isn’t just about new technology and medical procedures; it is about significantly impacting people’s lives.

“Every day... what you and your team do makes an impact beyond your imagination,” Dr. Khan said.

Gratitude And A Renewed Perspective

Mike, having faced and fought his cancer twice, expressed deep gratitude for the care and technology that played a crucial role in his recovery.

“I know because of what MONARCH has done... it’s just amazing,” he said.