US Navy Veteran Triumphs Over Lung Cancer with Innovative Treatment and Faith

Many veterans face battles with cancer after serving their country. John Ryan, a Navy veteran from Aldie, Virginia, exemplifies this struggle. Diagnosed with lung cancer after a distinguished 30-year military career, Ryan’s journey underscores the profound impact of innovative medical treatments and personal resilience.

A Journey Through Service and Adversity

Ryan’s military career began when he enlisted in October 1962, serving during pivotal moments in history, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. His experience primarily involved working in the nuclear power program aboard submarines, a role that entailed numerous deployments under challenging conditions. Following his retirement from active duty in 1992, Ryan transitioned to a full-time retirement in 2000 to enjoy more time with his family in Northern Virginia.

However, Ryan’s peaceful life took a sharp turn in 2013. After experiencing alarming symptoms, including spitting up blood, he sought medical help. The diagnosis was daunting: stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer.

Initial Treatment Challenges

Upon receiving this grave news, Ryan began a treatment regimen that included four rounds of chemotherapy at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Unfortunately, these treatments failed to yield the hoped-for improvements. He endured a range of debilitating side effects, such as fatigue, pain, and severe weight loss, coupled with pleural effusion.

Driven by the need for another opinion, Ryan consulted Dr. Julie Brahmer at Johns Hopkins in Maryland. This pivotal meeting led him to be part of a promising clinical trial for immunotherapy, a treatment designed to harness the body’s immune system to combat cancer.

Immunotherapy Breakthrough

Lung cancer poses a particularly high risk to veterans, with studies indicating that their risk of developing this form of cancer is 25% higher due to exposure to toxic substances during military service. Following his enrollment in the clinical trial beginning in October 2013, Ryan underwent a series of infusions with nivolumab, known as Opdivo. Remarkably, after just four treatments within a nine-week span, follow-up CT scans showed a 65% reduction in the size of his tumors.

Ryan expressed his elation over the treatment’s success, noting, “The 65% shrink was great, and then that just kind of walked down – I was down to like 84% shrink. And I was leading a normal life.” His treatment journey did not end there, however. He also received stereotactic body radiation therapy, known for its precision and minimal side effects, which resulted in the stabilization of his tumor.

Facing New Challenges

In 2022, another hurdle presented itself when Ryan began to encounter difficulty breathing due to chronic pneumonitis, a potential consequence of extended immunotherapy. He shared, “The psychological difficulty of staying indoors during COVID-19 was relatively easy, because I had a career being in nuclear submarines.” Despite this resilience, he struggled with the uncertainty that accompanied his health challenges, grappling with increased inflammation and reduced lung capacity.

Throughout a span of 100 months, Ryan made countless trips, totaling hundreds of miles to Johns Hopkins for his therapy, culminating in over 225 infusions. His perseverance and determination ultimately led to the wonderful news that he was cancer-free.

The Importance of Support and Faith

Ryan attributes a portion of his recovery to the guidance he received from healthcare professionals, especially a nurse at Walter Reed who delivered a stark yet motivating message about his treatment options. “She said, ‘Let’s cut to the chase, sonny boy, if you don’t take this, you’re going to die.’” He quickly agreed to proceed with the treatment, recognizing the urgency of his situation.

Additionally, Ryan highlights the role of faith in his recovery journey. “You’ve got to draw your hope and courage from somewhere. Faith was high,” he stated. He emphasizes the influence of his upbringing in a disciplined household and the supportive network of individuals around him.

Advancements in Cancer Treatment

Dr. Brahmer spoke at a 2022 Cancer Research Institute seminar about the advancements in immunotherapy, declaring it the new foundation for treating lung cancer at various stages. She indicated that ongoing innovations in therapy could lead to improved treatment outcomes and perhaps even cures for lung cancer and other thoracic cancers, such as mesothelioma.

Brahmer reinforced the message that patients must advocate for themselves, asking questions about the suitability of immunotherapy regardless of their specific type or stage of cancer. Ryan echoed her sentiments, stating that immunotherapy provides a hopeful path to recovery without many side effects often associated with surgery or traditional chemotherapy.

As Ryan continues to share his story, he emphasizes the critical nature of clinical trials in the development of safe and effective cancer therapies. His journey from diagnosis to recovery stands as a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of innovation in the field of medicine.

A Testament to Resilience and Hope

John Ryan’s story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, faith, and the power of cutting-edge medical innovations. His journey reflects not only the challenges faced by veterans battling cancer but also the potential that lies within new treatment options.

For those facing similar struggles, Ryan’s experience offers valuable insights into the power of hope and the importance of seeking out effective treatments. The landscape of cancer therapy is evolving, and there is reason to believe that ongoing research may bring even more breakthroughs in the future.