Latest news with #VATS
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cancer-stricken footy WAG Kellie Finlayson gives heartbreaking insight into what she thinks about when she has chemotherapy
Kellie Finlayson has given a heartbreaking insight into what she thinks about while undergoing chemotherapy. The brave mum, who is married to Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson, is battling stage four bowel and lung cancer and has undergone thoracic surgery in recent months. She was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and revealed in 2022 that the illness had spread to her lungs. After posting a hopeful update on social media in 2023 she stated that she would be stopping chemotherapy, but last July, she revealed to followers on social media that the cancer had begun to grow again and would be undergoing further chemotherapy treatment. Finlayson, who is in her late 20s, has now spoken about what she thinks about during her chemotherapy sessions, revealing that the thought came into her mind after listening to the Inherited Podcast. 'What I actually came on here to talk about was a podcast that I listened to, it was a couple of weeks ago, but it's stuck with me and now every time someone asks me it is kind of the response I use,' She said addressing followers in an Instagram story. 'It was the Inherited Podcast with Michelle's mum which obviously hit home for obvious reasons. She added: 'But something that she said really strung a cord with me. 'She was asked if she was scared of dying, or something similar to that, I don't want to put words into her mouth, but what stuck with me was the part where she said not a lot of people get to make the most of their ending. 'What I was getting at is that someone could get hit by a bus or have a sudden heart attack or an illness that gets them really quickly and they don't get the chance to say goodbye. 'Not that I've ever really done that but like obviously a lot of people do have to do that because they're given a timeline or whatever it may be, but they get to make the most of their last days or even choose their last meal. You know we always talk about our death row meal and all that sort of jazz. 'But now when people talk to me about having to do chemo, which I'm about to do, which is why I'm thinking about it, I'm like: "Yes at least I get to do things that get to prolong my life". 'Like no it will probably never be gone. But I get to do things, I get to create a legacy, I get to spend time with my family or my friends and do things that I want to do. You know.' Earlier in March, Finlayson revealed she had undergone a VATS procedure to remove a piece of tissue from her lungs. VATS stands for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, which is a form of keyhole surgery. She revealed that doctors had removed metastatic tissue from her lungs. Metastatic tissue occurs when cancer cells spread from a primary tumour to other areas in the body to form new tumours. Finlayson is now set to release a book, 'There Must Be More: Finding Purpose In The Face Of The Unimaginable', with the book set to shed light on her journey. The inspiring mum said she was 'so incredibly proud to share this piece with me and the world, and still so confused every day as to why my story is worthy of being literally printed in a book.' 'Imposter syndrome is screaming, but deep down, I know this is bigger than me. 'This is for those who have faced devastation, for those who feel alone, for those who no longer have a voice to share their story. 'For those who are stuck for words, for those who feel helpless. 'I feel like I've lived a dozen lives, and somehow, beyond motherhood, becoming an author might just be the most surreal one yet. 'This is hope. This is me - the rawest version of me.' The book is set to delve into how she has dealt with such devastating news but has bounced back.
Khaleej Times
29-01-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
King's College Hospital Dubai pioneers minimally invasive lung cancer surgery, transforming patient care in the UAE
Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, is experiencing a transformative shift in treatment approaches, thanks to advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques. At the forefront of this evolution is King's College Hospital Dubai, where cutting-edge procedures such as Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), also known as keyhole surgery, are revolutionising lung cancer treatment. By offering these advanced techniques, the hospital is significantly improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and enhancing the overall treatment experience for patients. In the UAE, where risk factors like smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and family history contribute to higher lung cancer rates, the need for innovative treatments has never been greater. Lung cancer progresses through four stages, each requiring specialised care: Stage 1, where the cancer is confined to the lungs, is often treated effectively with minimally invasive surgery; Stage 2, where the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, typically involves surgery and chemotherapy; Stage 3 requires a multidisciplinary approach, including chemotherapy, radiation, and occasionally surgery; and Stage 4, the most advanced stage, is managed with targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative care. Keyhole surgery, or VATS, represents a groundbreaking leap in thoracic surgery. By making small incisions in the chest wall and using a thoracoscope— a thin tube equipped with a camera—surgeons can visualise and operate on the lungs without the need for larger incisions or rib spreading, as is common in traditional open surgery. The benefits of this minimally invasive approach are clear: reduced pain, faster recovery, and enhanced comfort for patients. With smaller incisions, there is less trauma to the body, leading to less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker return to daily activities. Dr James Douglass Aitchison, consultant thoracic surgeon at King's College Hospital Dubai, emphasised the significance of these advancements in lung cancer treatment. "With keyhole surgery, we are revolutionising lung cancer treatment by prioritising patient recovery and comfort. This technique reduces the burden of surgery, allowing patients to focus on their journey to healing with an improved quality of life," he said. VATS is particularly effective for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To determine eligibility, comprehensive assessments, including imaging studies and lung function tests, are conducted to ensure patients are suitable candidates for the procedure. The advancements in keyhole surgeries at King's College Hospital Dubai represent a pivotal milestone in the fight against lung cancer. By combining innovative diagnostics, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and personalised treatment plans, the hospital is setting new standards in patient care. As Dr Aitchison aptly put it, "We're not just treating cancer; we're transforming lives."
