Tracey Miller has faced cancer more than once. First diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2018, she underwent treatment and surgery under the care of her oncologist in Cumberland, Maryland.
In 2020, the cancer returned — this time in her lungs — requiring another round of treatment and surgery to remove part of her left lung. Tracey returned to her daily life and her job as a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) nurse.
The Path to UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
In 2024, a follow-up scan revealed a new spot in Tracey’s left lung. At the medical center where she had been receiving care, physicians used robotic bronchoscopy to obtain a precise tissue sample from the small, difficult-to-reach nodule, confirming it was cancer. This advanced, minimally invasive approach allows for the safe and efficient diagnosis of lung nodules deep within the lungs.
Given the complexity of her case and the fact that this would be her second lung surgery, her care team referred her to Ryan Levy, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, for further evaluation and treatment.
What initially appeared to be a procedure to remove her left lower lobe proved to be more complex. After carefully reviewing Tracey’s case, Dr. Levy determined that removing the entire left lung offered the safest and most effective treatment approach.
The Solution
Tracey underwent surgery at UPMC Passavant in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, where she was admitted to the CVICU following the procedure. As a CVICU nurse herself, she had high expectations that her care team exceeded.
“The care was top-notch,” she says. “No matter what time of day or night I used my call light, someone was there right away."
Her husband and parents remained by her side throughout her hospital stay, providing support as she began her recovery.
The care she received reflects the advanced expertise of the UPMC Department of Thoracic Surgery, which has earned top ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for both resection for primary lung cancer and esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
The Road to Recovery
“It was a rough surgery to recover from, but about two months later, I could see myself really turning the corner,” she says.
Tracey completed 18 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation and gradually returned to her normal routine. Today, she continues to live her life fully, grateful for the care she received and the time it has given her.
“Dr. Levy has given me the precious gift of time with my family,” says Tracey. “I can’t say enough good things. He’s kind, very skilled, and I felt completely comfortable in his hands.”
Tracey's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
