‘I’m still able to play pickleball and do what I want.’
When Navy Veteran Bob Thomason reflects on his service, he smiles and says he “did everything but fly the plane.” As a naval flight officer from 1964 to 1969, he traveled the world, including Vietnam and nearby regions, where precision and teamwork defined every mission.
Today, at 83, he brings that same spirit to the pickleball courts in California. He plays three times a week for two hours, staying active and connected to friends who energize him.
A routine checkup that made a big difference
Thomason’s cancer journey began not with symptoms, but with a routine annual exam. His primary care provider, Dr. Soleyman Rokhsar, noticed a slight but unusual deviation in his iron levels. That small finding prompted an early colonoscopy, which revealed a mass. Followup testing confirmed it had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Despite the seriousness of the news, Thomason remained steady.
“I wasn’t shocked or devastated,” Thomason said. “They presented the findings, and I said, ‘OK, where do you go from here?’”
He also shared how confident he felt continuing his care with VA.
“I have been a patient with VA since 2010 and have been very pleased with all the care received, from primary care to now, very specialized care. It felt like the right place to continue my healthcare.”
That trust became an anchor as his care team took the next step.
Advanced testing opened the door
Through VA Precision Oncology, Thomason’s tumor underwent advanced molecular testing. These tests revealed that his cancer was microsatellite instability-high (MSIH), a key biomarker that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening missed.
This finding changed everything for him.
Instead of a one‑size‑fits‑all approach, Thomason had access to a personalized treatment option designed specifically for cancers with this biomarker.
Targeted treatment with fewer side effects
With the MSI-H finding, Thomason became a candidate for immunotherapy, a treatment that helps the immune system recognize and target cancer cells.
“They determined immunotherapy was an option,” he said. “It was less invasive than chemotherapy, which was a big plus, and I appreciated that my own system would fight back.”
His treatment routine quickly settled into an easy rhythm, with monthly bloodwork and a brief 30-minute therapy visit with an injection.
And the biggest difference? How little things have changed.
“Every time I get a test, the nurses ask if I feel different. Quite honestly, no,” he said with a laugh, “which is incredible. I’m still able to play pickleball and do what I want.”
Patient-centered care that feels connected and complete
For Thomason, the experience wasn’t just about cutting edge treatment, it was about people.
“I got very lucky,” he said. “Everyone, from the executive assistants to phlebotomists taking my blood to the doctors, has been exceptional and easy to talk to.”
He speaks just as highly of his oncologist, Dr. Kathryn Henick, and her team.
“Everyone has been so helpful, available and honest in their communication. It’s so all-inclusive. That’s what I really like.”
Their support, coupled with a monthly support group of Veterans going through treatment and recovery, helped him move through treatment with confidence and a sense of calm.
Living life on his terms
Aside from a lingering cough unrelated to cancer, Thomason said he feels good and grateful that treatment hasn’t reshaped his daily routine.
His advice to fellow Veterans is simple:c“Follow the advice of your doctors. Listen to them and talk things through. My doctor caught this, and it made a big difference.”
VA is committed to helping Veterans stay in control of their health and their everyday lives. Ask your VA provider about genomic cancer testing and personalized treatment options available through VA’s nationwide network.
Learn more about cancer.
Author: Nikki Verbeck