Doug Baxtron

It is not often that car accidents actually save lives, but this was the case for Doug Baxtron.

When Doug’s car was t-boned and he was sent to the emergency room, a CT scan noticed some abnormalities in the lymph nodes on his chest.

UofL Health – Jewish Hospital cardiothoracic surgeon Matthew Fox, M.D. was able to officially diagnose Doug with stage 4 lung cancer. The news was heartbreaking for Doug to hear. He had so much going through his mind and he began making preparations, in case he didn’t survive.

The next day, Doug quit smoking cold turkey. He had been an avid smoker for years, smoking up to a pack a day. When he heard that he had cancer, he knew that he had to fight for his life and would never smoke again.

Doug then went to the UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center to meet with Jason Chesney, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist, who told him about the lives that are being saved at the Brown Cancer Center. In this moment, Doug knew he was at the right place.

When he first began treatment, Doug would go to the Brown Cancer Center two or three times per month to receive chemotherapy. Now, Doug only has to go once a month for treatment.

Over time, Doug has gotten to know his cancer care team very well. When he is there, everyone from reception to his oncologist greets him by name and remembers what they talked about previously. His team knows his likes and dislikes and they always know just what he needs.

Doug doesn’t even feel like he is going to a hospital for treatment. He just feels like he is going to be taken care of.

“I love it,” Doug said about the Brown Cancer Center. “Honestly, I wouldn’t go anywhere else. That is the place that saves lives. It’s the greatest atmosphere ever, and I am serious when I say that.”

Now, almost five years have passed since his diagnosis and Doug says that if he didn’t already know he has cancer, he would have no idea that he has it because he feels so good.

Five years ago, he didn’t think he would make it to this point, but he did, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, Doug spends his time just how he wants to. He has several hobbies, enjoys idle time, and calls his children, who live in Ohio and Atlanta, Ga.

“I don’t look back at what’s behind me,” Doug said.  “I am looking forward.”

Doug extends endless thanks to the whole staff, including everyone on the second and third floor of the Brown Cancer Center, and to Dr. Fox and Dr. Chesney for never making him feel like a patient and for saving his life.

Over the last five years, he has seen many people receive care at the Brown Cancer Center, but he has always appreciated the fact that he receives individualized care, including one-on-one meetings with Dr. Chesney.

Car accidents and cancer diagnoses can be scary, but just like for Doug, there is life-saving treatment available at the Brown Cancer Center.

“You’ve got to enjoy the moment, enjoy every day and take care of every day,” Doug advises. “Enjoy it as if it’s your last.”

How can we help you?

Connecting with our team of specialists at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center is the first step in getting treatment.