Trusting the Process: One Persistent Cough & a Powerful Outcome March 18, 2026 When a cough persisted for months without explanation, 40-year-old physical therapist Shawn Cole, encouraged by his wife Melissa McNulty, sought care at SamCare Express. Preliminary tests were ordered, and a chest X-ray and subsequent CT scan revealed a large mass in the lower lobe of Cole’s right lung. When an Ongoing Cough Raises Unanswered Questions Though he was healthy, fit, a nonsmoker and had no family history of cancer, malignancy could not be ruled out. Cole’s care team — Amie Keys, FNP, and pulmonologists Austin Loranger, MD, and Tomer Pelleg, DO — ordered more tests including a PET scan, bronchoscopy (a procedure to obtain a sample of the mass), bloodwork and pulmonary function tests. The bronchoscopy was inconclusive, bloodwork suggested an uncommon autoimmune disorder and the PET scan revealed a cancer concern. Without a clear diagnosis, Cole and his wife wrestled with what to do next. “Apart from the cough, I felt I was fine. That is what made it so hard,” Cole said. “We could wait and monitor the mass with repeat imaging. Waiting, however, carried substantial risk — if cancerous, it could spread and prove devastating.” Cole decided to follow medical advice and get the mass removed as soon as possible. Trusting the Process Amid Uncertainty Under the counsel and care of cardiothoracic surgeon Rabin Gerrah, MD, Cole underwent an open thoracotomy to remove the section of lung housing the mass. Understanding this to be an invasive surgery which involved cutting muscle and separating the ribs, Cole and his wife knew the road to recovery would be long and difficult. “We were determined and put our medical knowledge to use,” Cole said. “We researched and worked collaboratively with my care team and colleagues to maximize recovery.” According to Cole, this included optimizing nutrition, understanding medication use and developing a rehabilitation plan. Cole and McNulty, who also is a physical therapist, used their expertise to assess Cole’s endurance, mobility and strength before surgery to guide his rehabilitation after surgery. Surgery proved successful in removing the mass. A Lung Surgery Outcome That Brought Relief Four days later Cole and his wife were enjoying some “sunshine therapy” in Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center’s healing garden. “Dr. Gerrah approached with a smile on his face and told us he tested the mass, and it wasn’t cancer,” Cole said. “Mel and I both cried. It was the best news we could have gotten.” The next day Cole returned home. With the help of his wife, family and friends, including his neighbor Nathan Robinson, who is also a nurse, he began the rehabilitative process. Six weeks later, Cole was walking more than 30 minutes, performing light resistance training and attending physical therapy to address his remaining rib pain. He continues to work with his care team to determine the cause of the mass. Trust, Advocacy & the Road Forward “There were so many ups and downs, but we advocated for ourselves and trusted the process,” Cole said. “As a Samaritan employee, I understand our mission and values. I feel fortunate to have received this level of care from people I trust.” Learn more about cardiothoracic surgery at samhealth.org/Heart.
