Former Triathlete Discovers Lung Cancer After Vision Problems
Dave Nitsche, a 57-year-old former Ironman triathlete from Canada, experienced a shocking health discovery when his vision issues turned out to be a sign of stage 4 lung cancer. What started as trouble seeing out of his left eye in 2019 led him down a long and difficult path.
Initially, doctors suspected a detached retina, but further scans revealed fluid buildup and high pressure, which ultimately resulted in losing his vision in that eye. A biopsy showed that the fluid was cancerous. Following this revelation, additional tests on his lungs confirmed the worst: Nitsche had stage 4 lung cancer.
“It’s very surprising,” said Dr. Azam J. Farooqui, an oncology specialist. “Cancer can appear in unusual places, but the eye is really rare.” Nitsche had never smoked and had no other significant symptoms besides his eye troubles. He mentioned he was actively running and only felt slight back pain.
His treatment journey began with a drug called afatinib, which he took for three months. When the cancer spread to his brain, he switched to Tagrisso (osimertinib), designed to target brain cells. After six years, he switched again to Rybrevant (amivantamab), a newer medication that he receives through IV once every three weeks. Nitsche reports positive results, stating his scans look “very, very good.”
“I feel like science is keeping up with me,” Nitsche said about his treatment. While the medication has some side effects, mostly skin irritation, he finds it manageable compared to other cancer treatment options.
Rybrevant has been approved for treating certain types of non-small cell lung cancer in both the U.S. and Canada. Nitsche’s doctors had initially given him a timeline of just one to two years, but he’s now approaching seven years since his diagnosis.
He is preparing for a 600-mile bike ride in June to raise awareness for lung cancer. “Some days are stronger than others, but you adapt,” he said.
Nitsche also emphasizes the importance of telling others that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence. “If you have lungs, you can get lung cancer, but there’s so much research happening,” he noted. His advice to others is simple: stay informed and advocate for yourself to access the best treatments available.
