Patricia, 80, Beat the Odds and Found Hope at Levine Cancer Institute

Wilkesboro resident Patricia Knowles — a breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma survivor — believes seeking a second opinion at Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) truly saved her life. In addition to providing Patricia with the latest therapies available to fight her cancer, including a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, LCI's wholeperson approach to care gave Patricia renewed hope for survival.

"At LCI, we have always been happy to provide a second opinion to patients and their families," said Dr. Carrizosa, Patricia's oncologist and associate professor of Solid Tumor Oncology. He continued, "It should never be an issue to make sure that you understand your diagnosis and what the plans for therapy are." Before meeting Dr. Carrizosa, Patricia’s doctor in a different health system provided little hope, telling her Hospice care was her only option.

Patient-centered care is a cornerstone of LCI, where teammates prioritize patients’ wellbeing, comfort, and dignity. In 2022, LCI was awarded the Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care by the Planetree International Organization, the highest level of achievement in patient-centered care delivery. In Patricia’s case, her care team took time to connect with her as a person, first, and not just as a patient.

"The fact that we have taken care of [Patricia] as a whole person and have been with her on this journey has made all the difference in her outlook and experience at LCI," said Dr. Carrizosa.

Patricia’s nurse navigator, Carlie Barnett, attributes Patricia’s positive outlook to the supportive connections she forged during treatment. “I have seen Patricia regularly throughout her treatments; it has been a pleasure to know her and walk by her through this cancer journey,” said Carlie.

The bonds Patricia formed with her care team and the care they provide continue to be a lifeline and source of hope in her cancer journey. She faces each day with gratitude for those who have supported her every step of the way.

“I couldn’t ask for a better doctor,” Patricia said of her oncologist, Dr. Carrizosa.

“He cares about you as a person — you’re not just another number coming in the door."

Now in the fourth year of her journey with LCI, Patricia's latest mammograms and lung scans were both clear.