Pennsylvania Dad, 45, Thought Chest Pain Was Pinched Nerve, Scans Revealed Rare Cancer The Size of an Orange

Recognizing Subtle Signs of Cancer

• A Pennsylvania father who experienced chest and neck pain thought he pinched a nerve. However, a CT scan revealed an orange-sized mass on his chest. He was diagnosed with stage 2 thymoma.
• Thymoma is a rare cancer that forms on the surface of the thymus (an organ in the neck that functions as part of the immune system), the National Cancer Institute explains. A persistent cough and chest pains are known symptoms of this cancer.
• The diagnosis came as a shock to the Pennsylvania dad. To help you cope with an unexpected diagnosis, invite your close family and friends for added support. Also, consider adding a therapist to your support group to help process your thoughts and feelings.
• Staying positive during cancer treatment can help you achieve better health outcomes. So, it’s important to prioritize your mental health, whether that means continuing to work, taking up a new hobby, or making time for friends.

A Pennsylvania dad diagnosed with a rare cancer was shocked to learn he had a mass the size of an orange in his chest and is grateful to be alive with his family after a harrowing experience. He is sharing his cancer experience publicly to remind others to be aware of any unusual symptoms that linger, as it could be an early sign of something much more severe. “It’s so weird that one day, everything’s going great, and then you get hit with this. I almost have survivor’s guilt,” Len Barchanowicz, 45, told NBC “Today” during an interview. WATCH: Managing Anxiety During High Stress Times Len Barchanowicz, who works as a mail delivery man, cancer journey began when he started experiencing sudden neck and chest pains. He initially thought he just pinched a nerve while delivering mail. “He was telling me, ‘Oh, my neck is really hurting me,'” his wife, Lauren Barchanowicz, 38, a nurse, said. Lauren Barchanowicz recommended that Len see his doctor, which he did. After undergoing several tests, his doctors detected something on an X-ray. A follow-up CT scan discovered he had a mass in his chest just above his heart the size of an orange. The surprising revelation spooked Len. “I thought I was a dead guy, honestly. Even how she presented it to me because she said she couldn’t tell if it was attached to my aorta,” Len Barchanowicz said. Although doctors initially suspected lymphoma – a type of blood cancer - the mass turned out to be stage 2 thymoma, which is a rare cancer that forms on the surface of the thymus (an organ in the neck that functions as part of the immune system), the National Cancer Institute explains . Symptoms associated with thymoma include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a hoarse voice. Treatment for this type of cancer depends on the specific characteristics of a person’s diagnosis. However, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy are known treatment methods. Len Barchanowicz underwent surgery to remove the “8.7 centimeter mass and 14 lymph nodes” last Fall. After spending a few months recovering, Len could return to work. His cancer experience reminded him to be in tune with his body for any unusual lingering symptoms. “When something like that happens, it hits you like a ton of bricks. I was always very blessed with my kids and my wife, and I really do live this great life,” Len Barchanowicz said.

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Tips to Cope with an Unexpected Diagnosis

Facing a new cancer diagnosis can be stressful and scary — but it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are many directions you can turn to for support. Experts recommend the following:

• Let your family and close friends know and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
• Keep a journal. It can be highly cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a lovely journal and chronicle your thoughts throughout the day.
• Join a cancer support group. Groups in nearly every community offer opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn constructive insight from others who can tell you what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
• Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.

WATCH: Managing your mental health after a diagnosis.

Remaining Positive After A Diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, remember that your life does not have to come to a complete stop. You can and should continue doing things that keep your emotional health in a positive space. According to SurvivorNet experts, prioritizing your overall well-being and continuing to do what you love can be very beneficial because it can positively influence your treatment outcomes. WATCH: Find Moments of Joy During Treatment “We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” Dr. Dana Chase , a gynecological oncologist at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, tells SurvivorNet.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, it’s crucial to ask your doctor informed questions to understand your condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. These questions can serve as a starting point for your discussion with your doctor so you can feel empowered and informed as you navigate your cancer journey.

• What type and stage of cancer do I have, and what does this mean for my prognosis?
• What treatment options are available, and what are the potential benefits and risks?
• How will the proposed treatment plan impact my daily life, including work, family, and social activities?
• Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments I may be eligible for?
• How can I manage treatment side effects and maintain my overall well-being during treatment?
• How will my cancer diagnosis and treatment affect my emotional health, and what support resources are available to help me cope?