Researcher Spotlight: Surviving Lung Cancer
Lung cancer survivor Theo Theodosi shares how the novel work of newly-funded Cure Cancer researcher Dr Venessa Chin saved his life.
Theo’s Story
Born in Cyprus, 62-year-old father of two Theo Theodosi’s cancer journey began three years ago. Having returned to work at his private physiotherapy practice after lunch at a local café, Theo suddenly became very dizzy and disoriented. Although this passed quite quickly, Theo found he had difficulty initiating speech and writing reports.
That evening, whilst driving to watch a World Cup qualifier match, Theo continued to struggle reading street signs and pronounce the names of places he knew well. ‘I knew then something was wrong’, he says.
Despite trying to hide his symptoms, a couple of days later Theo was admitted to hospital, where tests found that he had suffered a stroke in the language region of the brain caused by the thickening of my blood, which he later discovered could be linked to cancer. Within days, a Stage III non-small cell lung cancer with metastasis into many lymph nodes was confirmed.
“When I received the diagnosis, I felt totally numb, although not fully surprised. I am a former smoker and prior to all of this happening I had a dry cough. On two occasions I coughed up a small amount of blood. I even dreamed that I had lung cancer, but I was determined to hide from my suspicions. Instead, I avoided visiting my GP and pretended it wasn’t happening.”
‘My immediate concern was how this would affect my wife Lana, and my children, Alexandra and Andrew. My daughter lives and works in London and had just started an MBA in Paris. I was very concerned this would affect her, particularly as I lost my father to lung cancer during my uni studies. He was only 47, and it was an incredibly difficult time.’
As a result of the diagnosis, the staging of the cancer and its location, many treatment options were quickly ruled out by specialists at St Vincent’s, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As a result, Theo was referred to Dr Venessa Chin for her opinion regarding management of the disease. ‘I walked into her office with most likely 6 months to live’, remembers Theo.
However, Dr Chin had other ideas.
Dr Venessa Chin
Collaborating with Dr Venessa Chin
‘She discussed the possibility of a new drug used in clinical trials for lung cancer of my type. This was Keytruda, an immunotherapy treatment which stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells and had had good results with melanoma patients.’
Excited by the news, Theo immediately started to read about Keytruda clinical trial and follow up results. ‘It seemed to be the perfect treatment for me. I was never keen on chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery due to a variety of side effects.’
Theo began receiving Keytruda every three weeks in November 2017, followed by scans every 3 months which showed the tumour was decreasing in size and all the lymph node metastasis were beginning to appear normal. The only side effect Theo experienced was tiredness, meaning he was able to quickly return to work.
Treatment finished in January 2020, at which point PT scans, CT scans and lung biopsies showed no signs of cancer and all lymph node metastasis were now clear. However, a lump of scar tissue remained in the lower lobe. Dr Chin recommended that this could be removed to be 100% sure the cancer was gone. Pathology on the removed lung did show cancer cells but all associated lymph nodes were cancer free.
‘Without the research that led to Keytruda being used for lung cancer, I would be dead, or at the very least very ill and with no quality of life,’ says Theo. ‘I feel incredibly grateful to the brilliant doctors and researchers who are responsible for my recovery.’
“Before all this happened, I never gave cancer research much though. Now, I am now humbled by all those who have donated to allow research for treatment of cancer. Their donations have saved my life. I have now become one of these donors and hope someone in the future will also benefit.”
Today, Theo is in great shape. ‘Prior to my diagnosis was a very social, outgoing…some might even say a witty, funny guy! During my illness I did become a little reserved, but three years later, I feel like I’m back to my old self. I feel healthy, both physically and mentally, and have also started playing golf. I’ve sold my practice but will continue to work part time. As a result of my successful treatment my wife and I attended our daughter’s graduation in Paris last year, and once international borders reopen, I plan to travel again. I am blessed with great family and many great friends, and I believe in staying positive. Since treatment I no longer cough have shortness of breath or dream that I have cancer!’
‘Cancer cause so many deaths and can hide, grow, spread and mutate. It’s a smart disease, but now brilliant doctors and researchers like Dr Venessa Chin are taking on the fight against cancer. Funding for their cutting-edge research is vital to allow these doctors to continue and progress their work. We can all help and be part of this. Together, I truly believe we can outsmart cancer.’
To donate to lifesaving lung cancer research like Dr Venessa Chin’s, please make a donation today: