Kennedy Lonam - “Relax without Hidden Secrets”

Kennedy Lonam, Orlando, FL

When Kennedy Lonam’s stomach became large and uncomfortable, she made an appointment with her physician.  A CT revealed a mass that was thought to be ovarian cancer.

With several Triangle family connections, the Orlando, Florida, resident came to Chapel Hill and visited with Dr. Daniel Clarke-Pearson, chair of UNC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Clarke-Pearson performed a hysterectomy and a colon resection on Lonam just two weeks after her diagnosis.

The pathology report showed a surprising finding- the cancer was in her colon, not her ovaries. Lonam’s care was then transferred to Dr. Richard Goldberg, associate director of UNC Lineberger, and GI cancer expert. She has now completed two courses of chemotherapy. Lonam has continued to work as the Director of Meetings and Events at the Orlando Science Center through her treatment. Goldberg manages her care from Chapel Hill as she gets her therapy in Orlando.

She feels strongly that “you can have cancer, even advanced cancer, and still lead a normal life. It’s less a death sentence than a chronic long-term disease. That’s the new message about cancer.”

She also feels strongly about the care she receives from Dr. Goldberg and nurse Delma Armstrong. “Dr. Goldberg takes a problem-solving approach, that is very reassuring. He has access to all the latest thinking and treatments so I don’t feel I have to do a lot of research. My anxiety level is lower because I don’t worry if I haven’t spent time online. He’s the best.”

“Delma Armstrong is superb.  She makes things easy and is most accommodating and knowledgeable.”

Lonam has a large support network, including her family, and her son, Terrence. Terrence, 12, explained that “the worst part was finding out. It was like a reading a legal waiver when all the bad things that can happen are in it, and you get worried.”

Both he and his mother “talk about everything.”  Terrence says, “We are close, so being truthful and knowing what is happening is important.”

Kennedy Lonam says, “ You hate to involve your child in bad news, but for us, it’s the best way to deal with my cancer. I can relax without hidden secrets.”

She describes UNC Lineberger as “patient friendly and accessible. The staff takes time with you to answer questions and make sure you understand everything.”