From OHC

November 19, 2024

When it comes to facing a cancer diagnosis, the unknown of what comes next can be overwhelming. At OHC, we try to alleviate this stress by sharing the stories of others to provide a beacon of hope and a roadmap for navigating the uncertain terrain ahead. When OHC patient Mark Williams was first diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), he was told he had 6-12 months without treatment.  Mark wasn’t ready to give up, so he started treatment and now his story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of his family, and the OHC medical team.

Mark’s journey began nine years ago in October 2015 when he was experiencing bone aches and pains. “They treated me for arthritis until my wife insisted we seek another opinion,” Mark recalls. This led them to visit another provider after hours, where further tests and a biopsy revealed tumors in his lungs and bones, stage 4A NSCLC.

Mark was referred to OHC and initially saw Dr. Peter Ruehlman, OHC medical oncologist and hematologist until his retirement in 2018.  After this, Mark was seen at the Eastgate office by Dr. Randy Drosick who said “Mark is a very well-loved patient by the staff.”

Mark’s initial diagnosis came with a 6-12 month time limit if Mark did not undergo treatment.  Mark began chemotherapy immediately following his diagnosis, but due to the side effects, he was unable to tolerate it after 8 months. “I just didn’t feel any better, and the quality of life kind of sucked at the time,” he admits.

Ultimately, Mark made the difficult decision to stop chemotherapy. “I sat down with my wife and kids and said, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.’” This led to a pivotal moment in his treatment journey when he was introduced an immunotherapy drug named Opdivo (nivolumab).

Mark’s initial scans post-Opdivo showed no changes, but his medical team at OHC reassured him that this was normal. “Three months later, my scan showed that all my lymph nodes were cleared out and my cancer had shrunk a little bit,” Mark shares. Over the past eight years, as long as he continues his treatments every two weeks, Mark’s cancer has remained stable.

Dr. Drosick says that immunotherapy was a game-changer for Mark, adding, “Immunotherapies and other advanced treatments like this one, are changing the world for cancer patients. In the past, Mark would have been someone whose life could have been cut very short because of his reduced quality of life on chemotherapy.  When he chose to end chemo, that path could have looked very different only a year prior to him starting Opdivo, which was approved for NSCLC lung cancer in the spring of 2015.”

Mark is very thankful for his long and rewarding relationship with Dr. Drosick.  “He’s amazing. We’ve gotten so close over the years,” Mark says. The relationship between patient and doctor is one of trust and mutual respect, which has been crucial to Mark’s journey. “When I was looking for a scooter, I asked Dr. Drosick for his opinion. That’s how much I trust him.”

OHC patient Mark Williams celebrates his 200th Opdivo treatment at OHC Eastgate

The nurses at OHC played an instrumental role in Mark’s treatment and recovery. “The nurses at OHC are incredible. They were always attentive, compassionate, and made me feel comfortable during my treatments,” Mark recalls. Their personal approach to patient care is what has stuck with him the most.  “They knew me by name and remembered details about my life,” he adds.  He is grateful for their kindness and compassion.  Recently, Mark celebrated his 200th treatment of Opdivo, and the nurses at OHC Eastgate honored Mark with a celebration of his long journey with them.  They brought cupcakes and balloons to mark the occasion.

Reflecting on his experience, Mark emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself. “If I could go back in time, I would have asked that original doctor who diagnosed me with arthritis to give me a scan. As a patient, you need to take your own healthcare into your hands sometimes,” he advises.

Despite the challenges, Mark’s quality of life has significantly improved since starting Opdivo at OHC. “I could eat better, sleep better, and keep my pain under control,” he says. Because of Opdivo, Mark was able to get back to living his life and spending time with his family.

“My wife and I bought an RV, and we’ve been traveling. We’ve been to Mexico, Hawaii, and several other places. I’m trying to enjoy my time while I’m here,” he says.  That includes attending his daughter’s wedding this fall.  When he was first diagnosed, Mark didn’t know if he’d make it to this day, but here he is, celebrating the joyous occasion.

For those newly diagnosed, Mark offers words of wisdom and encouragement. “In the beginning, it’s going to suck, but you’ll get used to it. Your mindset going into it has to be willing to fight. If you’re not willing to fight, you might as well not even take chemo,” he advises.

Mark’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of advocacy, and the impact of a supportive medical team. His story provides hope for those facing a similar diagnosis, showing that with determination and the right treatment at OHC, it is possible to live a fulfilling life even with cancer.

For more information on treatment options and to connect with our team of dedicated cancer experts, please request an appointment.