Stage 4 Lung Cancer: Petra Dorsey's Inspiring Story of Hope

Petra Dorsey is ever the optimist. No matter what life throws her way, she fights back with laughter, lightheartedness and strength. Even in the face of a life-threatening medical diagnosis, she has maintained her joy and determination. While navigating a whirlwind of emotions, she has confronted the challenges head on, basking in the simple pleasures of life — often taken for granted when things are going well.

A Nagging Pneumonia Diagnosis

In early 2023, Petra was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her doctor prescribed antibiotics, which she completed, but the symptoms didn't go away. In fact, they grew worse.

"I was struggling to breathe. I could not take my dog on walks for more than about a half a mile before I was completely out of breath."

Signs It Could Be More

Concerned, near the end of January 2023, she went to WakeMed North Hospital Emergency Department. The care team performed a computed tomography (CT) scan of her lungs and found a very large mass. 

The Cancer Battle Begins

The on-call emergency doctor shared the alarming news with Petra. Soon, thereafter, another provider entered and informed her that they were referring her to WakeMed interventional pulmonologist Kevin Davidson, MD. 

When she went to her scheduled appointment, he performed a bronchoscopy and biopsy and diagnosed Petra with small cell lung cancer. 

WakeMed Cancer Care – Hematology & Medical Oncology – Raleigh Medical Park reviewed her pathology, and she was referred to thoracic oncologist Praveen Namireddy, MD. Fellowship-trained in the treatment of aggressive lung cancers, Dr. Namireddy developed a comprehensive care plan tailored to Petra’s diagnosis.

Dr. Namireddy saw Petra near the beginning of February, performed another biopsy based on the CT scan and diagnosed her with small cell stage 4 lung cancer.

"He told me that the cancer was very aggressive, but they would treat it to see if my cancer would respond. He was realistic about the fact that the cancer was very advanced, and treatment would be to control the cancer, extend my life and improve my quality of life."

For the next five months, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Petra received chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Petra glows, "Dr. Namireddy knocked that tumor out. I call him my cancer wizard. Nothing has come back in my lungs. I had little brain tumors, but they all were radiated off. I have a couple of very small lesions in my bones, but Dr. Namireddy isn't worried about them, and neither am I."

From Life-Threatening Cancer to Maintenance Treatments

Petra is now on maintenance treatments and counts her blessings, realizing she could have suffered a different outcome. 

"A friend of mine was diagnosed with the same aggressive lung cancer around the same time as I was. He died just nine months after starting treatment."

Petra now receives immunotherapy treatments every three weeks to prevent the cancer from returning in her lungs. 

Dr. Namireddy explains, "Caring for a patient with stage 4 small cell lung cancer who continues to do well more than two years after diagnosis has been deeply rewarding. What stands out most is Petra's resilience — meeting each challenge with courage and determination. Her positive attitude has been contagious, uplifting both her family and our care team. Her progress reflects not only her own strength, but also the power of a multidisciplinary and scientifically driven approach — combining evidence-based therapies, vigilant monitoring and supportive care. It is a reminder that oncology is not only about treatment but also about hope: hope that advances in science can shift the outlook, and hope that the human spirit can carry far beyond statistics. She has taught me that sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is not just more time, but the chance to live that time with meaning and positivity." 

An Oncologist Who Treats the Whole Person

Also, understanding the critical nature of hope and community, Dr. Namireddy allowed Petra to miss a treatment to visit family in Germany.

"I was so glad he allowed me to take seven weeks to travel abroad. My husband and I needed that time to celebrate my amazing results."

While treatment has allowed Petra to return to her quality of life, the treatments are not without side effects. 

"I had a hard time with my legs and bones when I was doing chemotherapy and immunotherapy. On immunotherapy, I once had the sensation I was burning up from the inside out. Dr. Namireddy responded by skipping a treatment and putting me on steroids for a couple weeks until I got back to normal. I am back on schedule now, and it has been all good with just some bone pain afterward."

Hope for a Happy 70th Birthday

In October 2026, Petra and her husband will each turn 70 years old. Her goal is for her cancer to still be well controlled, so they can return to Germany and celebrate with family. 

"I told Dr. Namireddy I need him to keep doing his magic, so I can be around for my birthday."

Gratitude for Unwavering Care

In reflecting on the last two years she has spent with WakeMed Cancer Care – Hematology & Medical Oncology, Petra is deeply grateful.

"Everybody — from the receptionist to the nurses to the lab tech — treat me like family. I feel very comfortable going there for treatment. I never fear anything knowing Dr. Namireddy is my oncologist. Plus, I have a very positive outlook on life, choose to enjoy life daily and have a solid support system. I also believe in God and thank him each and every day I wake up to enjoy another day on earth."

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