Imagine being in the best shape of your life. You’ve never smoked a cigarette a day in your life. You have just completed over 3,000 miles of mountain cycling in a season. However, your doctor believes you may have lung cancer. Your whole world comes crashing down. Your first reaction is denial. How? Why me? You’re a non-smoker with lung cancer. How is that even possible? Then anger sets in.
For Chad Dunbar, this was his reality in 2022. At only 45 years old, Dunbar was convinced he was in great shape. He noted that his lungs were probably the healthiest part of his body. The last thing he expected to hear from doctors and nurses was that he had stage 4 lung cancer.
The Silent Symptom That Was Ignored
Dunbar recalls that the only symptom he had leading up to his diagnosis was a subtle pain and swelling in his calf. He dismissed the pain, thinking that he may have overworked the muscle during biking, and didn’t think much of it.
Turns out, the cancer had already spread from his lungs to his brain, liver, bones, and lymph nodes near his heart. Dunbar immediately started on a course of chemotherapy and radiation.
The doctors then proceeded with gene testing and found that the cancer in his lungs had grown out of control due to a RET mutation in the cells. This was some good news for Dunbar. By identifying a specific RET alteration through next-generation sequencing, it allowed doctors the use these targeted therapies, making the treatment personalized.
Compared to chemotherapy and radiation, RET mutation therapy can target the mutated cells specifically, minimizing damage to healthy cells. This results in fewer side effects and a more targeted treatment.
What Is RET Mutation?
A RET mutation is a genetic change in the RET protein gene, which controls your cell growth and nerve cell growth in your body. When a mutation occurs, it causes the RET protein to become overactive, which leads to abnormal cell growth and can cause cancer. In Dunbar’s case, the mutation took place in his lung cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably and eventually spread to the other parts of his body.
The Follow-Up
In July 2023, after 6 weeks of RET gene therapy, Dunbar started feeling good. His scans had shown that the cancer in his brain, lungs, and liver had begun to shrink. He was convinced that he was on the road to recovery.
Unfortunately, in 2024, during a follow-up scan, it was confirmed that the cancer had mutated in Dunbar’s brain and liver. The doctors gave him a 5% chance of living past 5 years. After suffering a lot of emotional pain, optimism kicked in for Dunbar, and he thought, “Hey, you know what? Freaking five percent, I’ll take those odds.”
Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers- More Common Than You Think?
While smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer in the US, accounting to around 70% of cases, non-smoking lung cancer is becoming more common. Amounting to 10-20% in the US, it’s becoming more recognized as a distinct disease. This type of lung cancer is often driven by genetic mutations, second-hand smoke, and environmental factors, such as air pollution and radon exposure.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and fatigue. This might not always be the case, especially in non-smoking lung cancer cases.
If you are concerned about your lung health or have any other health concerns, be sure to schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns.
Looking Ahead
Dunbar plans to live each day as it comes and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his wife and two kids. He is overwhelmed by the amount of support shown to him and says it’s what keeps him going.
Although each day is a battle for Dunbar, he has managed to keep his spirits high, despite his circumstances. He’s made the conscious decision to accept the hand he’s been dealt, staying positive throughout his treatment.
Dunbar’s story is an eye-opener for everyone. Even when you think you’re in great shape and healthy as a horse, don’t ignore even the smallest warning signs. This could be your body sending you warning signals that something isn’t right. So, listen.
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