Triathlete's wavy vision led to a diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer

A former triathlete noticed wavy vision in 2019 that led to removal of an eye and discovery of Stage 4 lung cancer; he is now receiving Rybrevant infusions every three weeks while taking part in awareness efforts.

Dave Nitsche, a former competitive triathlete, first noticed wavy vision in 2019 and sought care. An optometrist suspected a detached retina and he was hospitalized; his left eye was removed when fluid behind the eye proved cancerous. Further testing revealed Stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to the eye. He has gone through multiple treatments and is currently receiving Rybrevant in combination with chemotherapy. Key facts: - Nitsche was active and a non-smoker when symptoms began, and his vision change prompted medical evaluation. - Fluid behind his left eye was found to be cancerous; the eye was removed and subsequent testing showed metastatic lung cancer. - He received afatinib briefly, then osimertinib for about six years before that therapy stopped working. - He is among the first patients in Canada to receive Rybrevant and receives infusions every three weeks alongside chemotherapy. - He is involved with support groups and plans to ride the BC Epic 1000 in June to raise awareness about lung cancer. Summary: A vision problem in 2019 led to the discovery of metastatic lung cancer and removal of his left eye. He is currently receiving Rybrevant infusions every three weeks with chemotherapy and remains active in community and awareness work. He is scheduled to participate in the BC Epic 1000 bike ride in June to raise awareness.