At age 45, Chad Dunbar seemed fit and healthy, an avid mountain biker and devoted father. Yet a sudden swelling and pain in his calf turned out to be a sign of a far more serious problem: terminal lung cancer caused by a rare genetic mutation.
After cycling over 3,000 miles at high altitudes, Chad’s discomfort pushed him to seek medical care in 2023, leading to the unexpected diagnosis. Though a non-smoker and living in clean environments, his cancer had spread to his brain, liver, bones, and lymph nodes by that time.
This type of cancer is linked to a RET gene mutation that makes tumors grow quickly and aggressively. Chad started intensive treatment with targeted therapies and chemotherapy, which initially reduced his tumors and stabilized his condition.
By early 2024, his cancer evolved with new mutations, severely lowering survival odds. In the face of a 5% chance for five more years, Chad chose hope and fighting spirit, determined to cherish his time with family.
Chad’s story reveals how lung cancer can quietly manifest without typical signs and in those without smoking history. His experience encourages early medical checks for unusual symptoms like calf pain or swelling.
