In honor of John Lynch
In 2006, a persistent cough sent John Lynch of Wilmington to his regular physician. With a family history of lung cancer and a brother who had just died from the disease, he was concerned. The visit led to x-rays, then scans, to a pulmonologist who performed a needle biopsy to verify the diagnosis of lung cancer, and Dr. William McNulty, oncologist.
McNulty referred him to Dr. Mark Socinski at UNC Lineberger to determine if there might be a clinical trial available. There was, so while trying to decide whether or not to take part, Lynch spoke with his son, Brock, who said, “You ought to do it, Pop. It might help you and it might also help me down the line.”
Three weeks after his diagnosis, Lynch began chemotherapy and radiation in combination with the then-experimental drugs Tarceva and Avastin. He lost 50 pounds from the regimen, but has since gained back the weight.
He enrolled in a new trial in 2007 of the Stimuvax vaccine, the first UNC patient to enroll in this international study led by Socinski. Lynch, the retired publisher of the Wilmington Star-News, continues on the trial, coming to UNC every six weeks for his injections.
“Having cancer changes you, of course, “ he said. “After the radiation, I didn’t have the physical stamina I used to, but I remain active: I play golf, I garden, I hunt and I fish. And I appreciate life more.” Glo, his wife of 41 years, said, “ From the beginning we agreed to be positive about this diagnosis. We have, and it has made a big difference.”
Each year, the Lynches savor homegrown tomatoes from their more than 100 plants, giving many away and freezing them for cooking. He recalls a discussion with Dr. Jan Halle, his radiation oncologist. “We were talking about tomatoes, and she described a song about loving homegrown tomatoes. When I asked if she could sing it, she did, there in the middle of the cancer clinic.”
Lynch concluded, “UNC is a great place to be. They have the most caring people in the world.”