Faith, family and fierce hope: Diane’s journey through lung and esophageal cancer

In honor of World Lung Cancer Day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of patients like Diane Yacovetta, whose journey through lung and esophageal cancer is a testament to faith, family, and the power of compassionate care.

When Diane Yacovetta was hospitalized in December 2023 for a lung exacerbation, doctors noticed something concerning on her chest X-ray—a nodule that had quietly lingered for 14 years. By January, a PET scan revealed that the nodule had lit up, signaling lung cancer. Alongside it, Diane was also diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

But Diane didn’t flinch.

“I really didn’t think much about the diagnosis,” she said. “I have a strong belief in God and turned it over to Him. I wasn’t afraid—I believed in my doctors.”

Her care team at AdventHealth Porter, including Dr. John Stahl and Dr. Mohammed Salhab, quickly mobilized. Diane underwent 33 radiation treatments and 5 rounds of chemotherapy for her esophageal cancer, and 5 radiation treatments for her lung cancer. The results were remarkable: chemotherapy shrunk the lung nodule by 80%, and radiation took care of the rest.

Despite the physical toll—including not being able to tolerate eating anything—Diane pressed on. “My family and doctors were so encouraging,” she recalled. “The dietitians helped with liquid replacements, and I loved Coca-Cola during that time—it was one of the only things that I could keep down.”

Her strength came from her faith and her family. “God has been there for me. I just put my trust in Him and didn’t worry,” she said. “It wasn’t pleasant, but He gave me the strength to get through it.”

Diane also found comfort in the kindness of the AdventHealth Porter staff. “The nurses on the chemotherapy unit were all super nice. My sister-in-law even knew a couple of them from when they treated my brother. Dr. Salhab was very good, and Dr. Stahl explained everything about the radiation, so I knew what was going to happen. All those memories are really special.”

Now, Diane is a passionate advocate for early detection. “Don’t put off screening. If they catch it early, they can treat it! The ‘C word’ is scary as heck, but I wasn’t scared. I just prayed and trusted my doctors.”

Radiation Oncologist, Dr. John Stahl echoes that message. “Unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain can be early signs of lung cancer,” he said. “Screening is essential for adults 50–80 with a smoking history. It can reduce mortality by catching cancer at a curable stage.”

He also emphasized the importance of support systems. “Patients with strong support at home tend to fare better. Families should attend appointments, take notes, and ask questions. Early intervention can make all the difference.”

For Diane, surviving lung cancer has reshaped her perspective. “Life is precious. You find out you’re not invincible. But if you have faith, good doctors, and a hospital that cares—it really does make a difference.”

If you or a loved one is in need of cancer care, please visit: AdventHealth Hematology and Oncology Denver | AdventHealth Porter