Author: Leslie Toldo
Though he tried to stop dozens of times, smoking was part of Steve Hollenbeck’s life for decades.
“When I was a teenager, the macho man had to smoke, had to be the Marlboro man,” said Steve. “I tried to quit probably 30 times, but when my wife, Nora, got throat cancer, and she quit smoking, I quit cold turkey. I didn’t want to smoke in front of her. That time it just worked.”
In 2015, just two years after giving up cigarettes for good, Steve was stunned to find out that he had lung cancer.
“I was feeling good, but I had COPD and sleep apnea, and my lung doctor wanted to check me out. A PET scan showed a spot on my lung,” Steve said. “I was surprised because I had quit smoking.”
After successful treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, Steve had to have lung screenings with a CT or PET scan every six months. Ten years later, in 2025, one of those scans revealed the cancer had come back in almost the same spot.
“I was shocked because I really thought the cancer was all gone,” Steve said. “They told me the cancer was inoperable.”
Treatment with traditional radiation in the same area a second time was not an option for Steve either, due to the damage it can do to healthy surrounding tissue and organs. However, radiation oncologist Dr. Hesham Gayar explained to Steve that he would be a candidate for a different type of radiation treatment called proton therapy.
“X-rays, used in traditional radiation, and protons both effectively deliver radiation to tumors,” said Dr. Gayar. “But protons can deliver higher doses of radiation more precisely to the tumor, then stop, while x-rays continue moving through the body, past the tumor, leaving an exit dose of radiation that can damage healthy surrounding tissue and organs.”
What this means for patients is fewer long-term side effects and a better quality of life with less risk of side effects during treatment.
“I had what looked like a sunburn, but they gave me some salve to treat that,” said Steve. “I feel great now. I don’t have any pain.”
What Steve appreciated most about getting treatments at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint was the bond he quickly formed with the staff.
“I went every day for weeks,” Steve said. “You get to know them, and they become friends. They are very good at what they do.”
Now Steve is on a mission to educate current and former smokers about getting annual CT scans to screen for lung cancer. It’s a newer screening option that a lot of people aren’t aware they are eligible for. According to U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines the screenings are for smokers:
- Ages 50 to 80.
- Who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years.
- Who have a 20-year pack history (equivalent to a pack a day for 20 years).
“You should go in once a year, so they can catch it early if you do have cancer. It’s easier to treat at that stage,” Steve said. “And I know it is extremely hard to quit smoking. I didn’t think I would ever quit. You’ve just got to set your mind to it.”
To learn more about the McLaren Proton Therapy Center or to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians visit mclaren.org/protontherapy or call 855 My Proton (697-7686.)
For a McLaren imaging center near you, click here.