Having served over 42 years in fire and emergency services, Richard “Rich” Vance understands the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle including regular visits with a primary care physician.  It was during one of his annual physicals over six years ago that the first signs of cancer were detected.  Garth A. Bennington, M.D., Rich’s primary care physician, had concerns about an abnormality on a chest X-ray.  He recommended that Rich have further testing to determine the exact nature of the abnormality.  The following year, the spot remained, and Dr. Bennington referred Rich to Licking Memorial Hemotology/Oncology.

“Dr. Bennington has been very kind to me and understanding throughout the years that I have visited him.  He has always explained things to me with patience and compassion,” Rich shared.  “I was grateful for his concern and care, and I trusted that he had my best interests at heart.”

After more scans and a biopsy, Aruna C. Gowda, M.D., confirmed to Rich that he had lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system and is made up of organs, glands, vessels, and clusters of cells called lymph nodes.  Lymphoma can affect lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow, spleen, and other tissues throughout the body, such as in the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, bones, or skin.  Dr. Gowda assured Rich that lymphoma is treatable and that the cancer was in the early stages.  At the time, she explained the best course of action was to watch and wait.  If the cancer does not cause symptoms, there is no need for treatment right away.  Instead, Rich would have regular checkups to monitor the condition and determine if the cancer would grow and spread.

In the fall of 2024, Rich began experiencing swelling in his neck.  He visited Dr. Bennington with the belief that he was suffering from an infection and needed an antibiotic to cure the issue.  Dr. Bennington quickly determined that the swelling was not an infection and referred Rich to Dr. Gowda once again.

“After years of praying for the best, my family and I were now facing the reality of my cancer diagnosis.  Now that the lymphoma had presented itself, Dr. Gowda explained the next steps,” Rich said.  “She recommended an aggressive treatment plan and assured me that she and her staff would be sensitive to my needs and respond appropriately if the treatment became overwhelming.”

“I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Gowda and the staff at the Oncology Clinic.  They are truly rock stars,” Rich enthused.  “They are honest and open and treat everyone like members of their own family.  Dr. Gowda asked me if I wanted a referral to one of the hospitals in Columbus, and I told her absolutely not.  I felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone at Licking Memorial Hospital, from the senior leadership to the Volunteers and everyone I had contact with, that I would not even consider going anywhere else for care.”

Rich is especially grateful for the privacy offered in the Oncology Clinic where he received his chemotherapy treatments.  Each patient is given their own space to relax while the medications are administered.  The process can take hours.  Family members are encouraged to sit with the patient and every effort is made to ensure the comfort of both patient and guests.  During that time, staff members and Volunteers make regular visits to address needs such as warm blankets or snacks.

“My first treatment, I wanted to be strong and do my best to try to tolerate the medication,” Rich shared.  “However, I started feeling warm and itchy.  I tried not to make a fuss, but the staff kept asking me how I was feeling, and even Dr. Gowda stopped in the room to check on me.  When they realized I was having a reaction to the treatment, they began readjusting the dosage right away.  I felt so much better.  They are such an amazing team.”

Every 21 days for 18 weeks, Rich visited the Clinic for his treatments.  He enjoyed bringing small treats to the staff.  He wanted to show them the kindness and care that they continually provided him.  At the end of his treatment, Rich was able to ring the bell at the Oncology Clinic.  Ringing the bell has become a tradition for cancer patients throughout the country to celebrate and signify the end of the work to battle their cancer.  The staff members celebrated with him and his family by offering treats, cheers, and applause.

With the lymphoma in remission, Rich is looking forward to full retirement from his job at the State Fire Marshall’s office.  He and his wife, Carolyn, celebrated 42 years of marriage, and they look forward to spending more time with their daughter, Alexis, son-in-law, Steve, and granddaughter, Makenna.  Having experienced his own cancer journey, Rich says he has a new perspective on life.  While the diagnosis, treatments, and other processes are frightening, Rich was grateful to be surrounded by the love and support of his family, and the compassionate people who are dedicated to treating patients with dignity and kindness.