Carole Daughtry - "Thankful for My Nutritionist"

Carole Daughtry, Raleigh, NC

Little did Carole Daughtry of Raleigh know how much her life was about to change as she went in for her regular physical examination in March 2008.

During the exam, she was given an x-ray to check on a pneumonia scar she had had since childhood. "The scar had never changed in an x-ray before," she said, "but this time, it had grown." Daughtry underwent several scans and minor surgery and was then told she had Stage III lung cancer. "I was not a smoker and had no symptoms. This was, of course, quite devastating to my husband, Mitchell, and me."

Daughtry was also told the standard treatment for lung cancer would only give her a few months to live. "The oncologist whom I was seeing encouraged me to try to get into a clinical trial at UNC, which was very aggressive but on the leading edge of treatment at that time. I was healthy enough to be accepted into the program and got along well during chemo and radiation."

A few months following the treatment new scans showed no signs of cancer and, up until recently, her cancer was in remission. Recently, however, two spots have shown up in her liver. "I am receiving treatment and hope to be cancer free again soon," said Daughtry.

"I am extremely blessed to have been able to receive the aggressive treatment which has prolonged my life."

Daughtry credits Aimee Shea, the UNC oncology nutritionist, for giving her much help during her therapy. "Aimee helped me develop strategies to keep hydrated and getting adequate nourishment, which is sometimes hard to do when you're undergoing radiation therapy. I was fortunate to have her help and support."

Daughtry suggests that newly diagnosed cancer patients "learn as much about their disease and their medicines as they can." She recommends "working with people such as nutritionists and therapists who can help you maintain your nutritional and physical as much as possible."

Watch a video interview of Carole Daughtry.