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Ronald Sweinhart
Lung Cancer
Ronald Sweinhart in his newly constructed wood-working shop
Shaving each morning was part of Ronald Sweinhart's routine, which was typically non-eventful. This changed in January 2002 when Ronald felt a tiny lump in his neck. Ronald showed the lump to his family doctor who immediately knew something was wrong. He ordered an x-ray right away.
Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner, Grand View Hospital, is close to Ronald's house and where he went for the x-ray. Within a few days, a surgeon at Grand View performed a biopsy, which proved to be non-cancerous. Ronald, and his wife, Sarah, were very relieved - but only temporarily.
Ronald was shocked to be diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.
"Fortunately for Ronald, his surgeon was not convinced it was benign. He took another biopsy just one-half inch from the first. This time it was cancerous. Ronald was shocked when his doctors diagnosed him with stage IV lung cancer considering he had no obvious symptoms.
Ronald showed his gratitude to his wife, Sarah, by building her an angel clock
"Thanks to Dr. David Rilling at Grand View, I am alive today. He didn't give up on me," said Ronald. In addition to the tumor on Ronald's neck, he had another in his lung. Ronald began a chemotherapy regimen to shrink the tumor, but it was not successful. Doctors felt the tumor was inoperable, incurable but treatable.
He was not willing to give up without a fight.
Ronald responded to his physician, "Did you let God know about this?" He was not willing to give up without a fight, even though he was given about 2 years to live. That was 6 years ago.
"If you can't get this cancer out of me, send me to someone who can," Ronald told the doctors. Ronald got the answer he wanted. Because Grand View is affiliated with Fox Chase Cancer Center, the staff arranged for Ronald to see Dr. Michael Millenson, medical oncologist at Fox Chase.
"The first time I met Dr. Millenson, he said 'I'll see you in 5 years,' which was reassuring."
"The first time I met Dr. Millenson, he said 'I'll see you in 5 years,' which was reassuring since that wasn't what I was previously told," recalled Ronald. Dr. Millenson ordered new tests, the results of which showed that Ronald actually had stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer. The findings also revealed that the tumor on Ronald's neck was a supraclavicular lymph node, which represented spread from his primary lung tumor.
"At Fox Chase, I was always treated wonderfully. Everyone who works there gives you hope."
"The great thing about Dr. Millenson is that he was in charge of my care along with Dr. Kaufman of Buxmont Oncology, but I got my radiation and chemotherapy at Grand View, which is close to my house," explained Ronald. "At Fox Chase, I was always treated wonderfully. Everyone who works there gives you hope."
Ronald's wife, Sarah, and his children, supported Ronald during every part of his treatment. "I couldn't have done it without the love of my family. Sarah's my angel," he explained. To show his appreciation, Ronald, who is a talented wood-worker, made Sarah an angel clock after he recovered.
Ronald's treatment was considered successful. Although Dr. Millenson will not use the 'c' word (cure) with Ronald, they agree that his cancer is under control.
"I feel so lucky every day to be alive."
He summed it up, "It's been 6 years since I was diagnosed. I feel so lucky every day to be alive. I thank God every morning that he's given me another day here on earth to spend with my wife, children and beautiful grandchildren."
Learn more about lung cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.