Jennifer Matthews: Karen Ducey is here for number 31.
Karen Ducey: In December of 2003, I was told I had Stage Four Lung Cancer.
Jennifer Matthews: Today is her 31st radiation treatment done with new technology.
Karen Ducey: I feel good. I feel good about the treatment.
Jennifer Matthews: Karen had a PET scan that shows metabolic changes in her body that indicate cancer. She also had a CT scan that shows the anatomy. Combined, the two help pinpoint her cancer.
Dr. Michael Shevach: You may see a little red spot here but until you put the CT behind it wouldn't be hard to find exactly where it was at in the body.
Jennifer Matthews: For the first time, that information is being electronically combined to create a computerized radiation treatment plan. Doctor Michael Shevach says that allows more radiation to the tumor and less to healthy tissue.
Dr. Michael Shevach: So, we improve our odds of cure and at the same time, decrease the risks associated with treatment.
Jennifer Matthews: Positioning the patient is key; beams of light help put Karen in the right place.
Dr. Michael Shevach: We are able to really hone down on our radiation beam and give her the treatment she needs, exactly where she needs it.
Jennifer Matthews: And it's working. Karen's last scan showed no active cancer cells.
Karen Ducey: I feel well. I feel healthy, and that's all due to the technology that's available here.
Jennifer Matthews: After treatment, Karen and her husband visit the Cancer Survivors' Park since she already thinks of herself as a survivor. This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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