Oak Forest man overcomes double cancer diagnosis successfully

William Brtis from Oak Forest faced an incredible challenge when he was diagnosed with two different types of cancer just six days apart. He was first diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer and shortly after found out he also had lung cancer. Despite the fear that came with this news, Brtis emphasized the importance of staying positive and avoiding fear. Dr. Yazan Numan, an oncologist, noted that it is rare to have two cancers at the same time, happening in only about 5% of patients. Though Brtis had some family history of cancer, it was not genetic. Brti's treatment journey began with surgery to remove a tumor from his bladder, followed by chemotherapy. In May 2023, he underwent bladder and prostate removal surgery. Later that year, he started treatment for his lung cancer, which included radiation and immunotherapy. By June 2024, imaging showed that the lung cancer was gone, allowing him to stop immunotherapy early. Throughout his treatment, Brtis maintained a positive outlook. He connected with his medical team, including nurses and doctors, who provided support. He often joked with them, which helped him cope with the situation. Brtis also appreciated the help of his siblings, who took care of him during difficult times. Today, he is in remission and reflects on his journey with gratitude for the medical team that supported him. He believes that a positive attitude and the support of loved ones made all the difference in overcoming such a tough battle.