Spokane coach says early lung cancer detection helped save her life
Spokane, Wash. — A Spokane gymnastics coach said early cancer detection and quick local treatment helped save her life after doctors found a fast-growing lung tumor. More than two years earlier, Nadine Burgess had already planned and paid for a trip to Bhutan. "Over 2-years ago I booked and paid for a trip to go to Bhutan, which borders India and China..." Burgess said. She said the trip fit who she is. "Because adventure... off the grid..." Burgess said. Then her plans changed when she learned she had lung cancer. Burgess, a longtime Spokane gymnastics coach, said she saw herself as active and healthy before the diagnosis. "I've always considered myself pretty adventurous and also healthy..." Burgess said. She said doctors found a large mass in her lung. "A 6-centimeter mass in my lung..." Burgess said. Dr. Greg Heinicke, a MultiCare pulmonologist, said that type of cancer can turn deadly quickly if doctors do not catch it early and remove it. "Unfortunately with that form of cancer, without an early diagnosis and an option for removal, those patients die within a couple of years..." Heinicke said. He said Spokane has the technology to find cases sooner if screened. "With early
