Dan H .

Stage IV, Kidney Cancer, 2-year survivor

Two years ago, Dan was savoring early retirement as a stay-at-home dad. Dan had always looked forward to having extra time to spend with family, to travel, to pursue hobbies and whims. He took up cooking, and was always there to take then eight year-old daughter Meredith to school and activities. Summers were spent seaside at the family’s beautiful Kennebunk Beach, Maine home.

Dan: “Life was good. Then in the early spring I started having vague symptoms of discomfort. Nothing very alarming…nausea, an upset stomach. I thought I was drinking too much coffee and tried to cut back. When that didn’t help, I saw my primary care physician. “

Dan’s primary care physician suggested a CT Scan. The results were jarring.

Dan: “The CT Scan showed cancer in my left kidney. A chest X Ray confirmed that the cancer had spread to my lungs. When I was diagnosed, my cancer was already at Stage IV. “  

Dan sought treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. His surgical oncologist, Frank McGovern, MD recommended radical nephrectomy, an operation performed to remove the diseased kidney and surrounding tissue.

Dan: “With Stage IV cancer, I knew I couldn’t wait for treatment. The ‘turnaround time’ from diagnosis to surgery at MGH was incredibly quick. I learned about the cancer on May 23rd, and Dr. McGovern performed my surgery on June 5th. It was a Saturday, and the whole surgical team gave up eight hours of their weekend to get me in as soon as possible. “

Even with surgery, Dan’s odds of long-term survival were daunting. According to The National Cancer Institute, less than 10% of patients with advanced kidney cancer reach the five-year mark.

At the same time, a clinical trial for a new anti-angiogenesis drug was underway at the Cancer Center. Anti-angiogenesis drugs stunt tumor growth by shutting off its blood supply. The clinical trial allowed Dan access to this breakthrough drug six months before it went on the market – six months during which his cancer could have grown. Instead, its progress was halted and Dan felt great. 

The tumor in his lung caused it to collapse, requiring surgery with MGH thoracic surgeon John Wain, MD to remove several liters of fluid and strengthen the lung’s lining. After working for eight months, the clinical trial drug stopped working, requiring a change in treatment.

Dan: “ I’m on another anti-angiogenic that seems to be working well. When one drug stops working, I hope and trust there’ll be another to take its place. I’m a realist. I just concentrate on living my life.

Our latest adventure was a trip to Katmai Island in Alaska, where we actually stared down an adult male grizzly bear. We certainly made a memory that day! I guess once you’ve faced cancer, you can deal with anything.”

As he continues on his path, Dan “makes memories” each and every day. And he will never forget that the care he received at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center has made them possible.