Tracy Brown

I was diagnosed with Non-small cell lung cancer in early 2012. I had my initial treatment and then had a recurrence. In late 2013 a clinical trial opened to test a new type of treatment that was not Chemotherapy but Immunotherapy. Dr. McCoy asked me to talk with his Clinical Research Nurse. She talked to me about consent and what it means to be on a clinical trial. We discussed the difference between Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy. I asked a lot of questions, which were answered with care and empathy. Everything was explained in great detail in a way I could understand. And I was told I could stop at any point if I wanted. I decided it was worth a try to get a new exciting drug. I started treatment in January of 2014. I have been getting Atezolizumab ever since. I understand it is now approved for anyone to get and I feel I was a part of that happening. I have now been on study for almost 7 years and I am considered cancer-free. I feel this opportunity saved my life and it would have never been possible without clinical trials and my team of professionals.