Advanced Therapies, Expert Collaboration, and a Dedicated Medical Team Lead to Hope and Healing

A lifelong resident of Mayville in Chautauqua County, NY, first noticed severe shoulder pain in the winter of 2017. Medical tests revealed no obvious problem until a puzzling event occurred at work: he coughed up what appeared to be a small stone. Further scanning exposed a golf-ball-sized tumor in his left lung along with cancer on his tonsil. When referred to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, his condition was diagnosed as stage IV lung cancer—a rare presentation involving the tonsil.

Surgery was not an option, so he turned to chemotherapy under the guidance of Dr. Jairus Ibabao at Jamestown Medical Oncology Hematology, part of Roswell Park’s Care Network. The chemotherapy proved challenging due to hydration issues, prompting a switch to Keytruda®, an immunotherapy designed to bolster the immune system in fighting cancer cells. After more than 30 treatments over two years, scans came back clear, offering renewed hope.

However, a follow-up scan detected a new spot on his right lung. Still, Dr. Ibabao assured him that immunotherapy remained a viable option, leading to another course of treatment. Two years later, the patient continues to be in remission, grateful for the advanced care offered so close to home.

Being able to receive treatment at the Jamestown location alleviated the stress of traveling 90 minutes each way to Buffalo. The facility is fully equipped with chemotherapy and infusion centers, on-site blood tests including tumor-marker testing, and collaborative support from top medical experts at Roswell Park. This comprehensive approach ensured timely care, minimized hospital trips, and allowed for quick recovery periods at home.

Most impressively, constant vigilance by Dr. Ibabao and his team led to early detection of a diverticulitis flare-up during routine follow-up scans, likely preventing more serious complications. The strong communication between providers further streamlined his care, allowing family physicians and oncologists to stay aligned on the patient’s progress.

Today, he celebrates remission, credits the dedicated staff for saving his life on multiple occasions, and looks forward to a future with continued support, hope, and gratitude.