Patient Success Stories

Cancer Survivor Now Back to Playing Competitive Tennis After Treatment by Spine Cancer Team

Metastatic kidney cancer to the spine had threatened his mobility

Cancer survivor Jay Roth

Jay Roth was always an active, athletic guy who thrived on challenges, played competitive sports, and tried to live life to the fullest. The 61-year-old retired engineer from Bel Air, Maryland, jogged several miles daily and worked out regularly. So when he was slowed down by a nagging ache in his back and shoulder, he assumed it was a pulled muscle from painting his house, raking leaves or, his real passion, playing competitive tennis.

When the pain didn’t go away after months of rest, physical therapy and a visit to a chiropractor, he decided that something more serious must be going on.

His doctor sent him for a CT scan, which showed that he had a large tumor on his left kidney. Further tests showed that the tumor had spread to his bowel and ribs, which was causing the pain in his back. He underwent surgery at his local hospital to remove his left kidney, his spleen, and as much of the tumor as possible in a procedure known as “debulking.” He woke up to the news that he had stage IV cancer.

“They told me I had about a 20 percent chance of surviving beyond a year,” Jay recalls. “I was referred to the team at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center. That was the best thing that could have happened to me.”

He met with Dr. Nancy Dawson, then a medical oncologist in the Genitourinary Cancer Program. Dr. Dawson ordered a complete battery of tests to evaluate his overall health and determine if he was fit enough for the rigorous, multi-faceted treatment that would be necessary to fight his cancer -- possible further surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Additional tests also showed that a tumor inside his spinal column was compressing Jay's spinal cord. Dr. Dawson referred him to her colleague at the University of Maryland, Dr. Daniel Gelb, a surgeon and specialist in complex surgery for spine cancer. Dr. Gelb explained the delicate operation that would be necessary to relieve the pressure: removal of the tumor and the vertebrae it was growing on, and rebuilding of that section of Jay's spine with cement, steel rods and supports.

“Dr. Gelb’s knowledge and expertise impressed me. He gave me complete confidence in his ability to handle my difficult case, and I felt comfortable placing myself in his hands,” Jay says. The complicated surgery was successful, although it took its toll on Jay's system. “I was in intensive care for several days,” he recalls.

After several months of recovery time, he was deemed strong enough to begin the next stage in the treatment plan, which was radiation therapy. He met with Dr. Young Kwok, a member of the Spine-Directed Oncology Program team at the cancer center and an expert in targeting radiation therapy for treatment of cancer of the spine.

“Dr. Kwok worked with me, because in the beginning it was difficult for me to stay in the proper position for my radiation treatments. I practiced and exercised at home so that I could be strong enough to do it.” Jay had 20 days of radiation therapy.

When the radiation therapy was completed, he was ready to begin the final part of his treatment. This includes monthly infusion of Zometa to strengthen his bones and an oral chemotherapy drug, Sutent, for controlling his remaining tumors and preventing any new metastatic activity. For this part of his therapy, Jay sees his medical oncologist Dr. Arif Hussain and nurse practitioner Jean Smoot. "This part of the treatment regimen has been very effective, and is continuing, fortunately with little or no side effects," Jay notes. He also has follow up visits every three months with Dr. Kwok and has scans to monitor the effectiveness of his treatment.

“The nurses in the Stoler Pavilion are great,” he says. “It's a very welcoming, comfortable place. You have your own little private room with a TV and they bring you blankets and refreshments. We laugh and joke a lot.”

Throughout the long and challenging year of his treatment, recovery and rehabilitation, Jay kept himself motivated by focusing singlemindedly on his goal of one day getting back out on the tennis court. Progress was slow, but he perservered.

At first, his friends would help him from the car to his walker so that he could sit on the sidelines and watch them play. He worked up to being able to stand and walk unassisted, and then practiced hitting tennis balls by himself. Gradually, he regained enough strength and balance to play again, and today he is a strong doubles player, surpassing even his own expectations.

He continues to be tremendously grateful to the many people who have been a part of his cancer journey. He recently put his sentiments in writing to Dr. Gelb:

“On the tennis court today, a realization came over me that was very emotional. I was there enjoying my passion because of you, the other fine doctors and all the medical staff who had worked so hard to save my life. . . I will never be able to express my feelings and gratitude with the proper words. My quality of life has been far greater than I ever dreamed would be possible. My level of play on the tennis court had astounded everyone, including myself. I had set my own goals high for my recovery, but this had been incredible. I will be forever grateful.”

Jay Roth can be reached by e-mail.

For more information about the Spine-Directed Oncology Program or any of our other treatment programs or services , please call the cancer center at 1-800-888-8823.

If you have a story to share about your successful treatment for cancer at UMGCC, please contact the Web site editor at 410-328-8289.

This page was last updated on: December 6, 2007.