What happened, in summary

Michael O’Donnell is a Vietnam War veteran who receives his lung-cancer testing and treatment through the Dallas VA, with access to a lung-cancer specialist from UT Southwestern when needed. His cancer was Stage IV at diagnosis. He had smoked until two weeks before surgery and had also been exposed to Agent Orange during military service.

Over the following five years, Michael underwent lung-cancer surgery and continued immunotherapy. His infusions lasted about 30 minutes. They left him very tired for one or two days, but he then returned to his usual routine. At the latest update, he and his doctor were satisfied with how the cancer was being controlled, and he had scans every three months to check that it had not grown.

After passing the five-year survival mark, Michael used his experience to support other veterans. During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, he joined LUNGevity staff at the Dallas VA to answer questions, encourage screening conversations, and show other veterans what long-term life with Stage IV lung cancer can look like.