Beating the Odds

Cancer survivor shares how he battled cancer and won

An unexpected diagnosis

Aryan Fazeli was only 27 years old when a trip to Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) Emergency Department (ED) changed his life.

At the time, Aryan was in the best shape of his life, working out consistently at the gym and taking extra care of his nutrition. He operated his own health vitamin and supplement company, and kept a steady eye on his wellness. However, he struggled for months with chest pain and a chronic cough that had previously been diagnosed at a walk-in clinic as bronchitis. Accompanied by his fiancée, Brittany, Aryan went in search of answers.

When Aryan arrived at MSH’s ED in August of 2019, he was having extreme difficulty breathing. “It felt like someone was standing on my chest while I tried to inhale through a straw,” Aryan recalls.

He was immediately sent for a CT scan, which showed that there was a tumour the size of a football inside his chest. Aryan was admitted to the hospital, where medical oncologist Dr. Henry Solow expedited a biopsy. The quick action of the hospital likely saved his life.

A life-altering tumour

“The location and tumour size had the potential for causing a catastrophe for Mr. Fazeli," Dr. Solow explained. "While a young and physically fit man, situations like this need immediate therapy since tumours like this do not play favourites.”

The diagnosis confirmed that Aryan had a germ cell tumour, specifically a yolk sac tumour, with a survival rate of 50 per cent. The large size of the tumour was causing pressure on Aryan’s lungs and heart, which explained his difficulty breathing. The cancer had also spread to his heart lining, causing a heavy build-up of fluid.

At this point, every minute counted, and quick action made the difference in Aryan’s outcome, as did his resilience and positive attitude. Aryan knew that his personal attitude would be an important factor in his eventual recovery.

“I continued to believe that I was going to be okay. Mindset is everything, and I wanted to know that if I got to the end, I did everything I could. I applied everything I learned from my parents,” said Aryan.

Aryan started intravenous chemotherapy treatment at MSH’s Cancer Centre, as well as being kept in the hospital during his treatments for observation. There was a risk of complications, and his health care team felt it would be safer if he stayed close by.

The nurses were my angels and they took care of me.

Aryan Fazeli

Extraordinary care

“From the nurses in the cancer clinic during chemo, to the care in my room at night, to when I had some complications, the attention to detail and care was something I’d never seen before,” Aryan recalls.

Dr. Solow was also at his bedside every morning to see how he was doing.

After four rounds of chemotherapy, and three weeks in the hospital, Aryan received critical open chest surgery in December of 2019 at Toronto General Hospital, as well as treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Aryan credits the doctors, nurses, and staff at MSH for keeping him focused on getting better. This, combined with his determination to stay as active as possible in both mind and body, helped Aryan beat the odds.

He remembers that every step of the way, and despite some complications and unexpected turns, he felt he was in the best hands at MSH. When his condition required immediate action, MSH had the people — as well as the equipment — to do whatever needed to be done.

There for life’s big moments

MSH was also there for one of Aryan’s most important life moments. Once he felt well enough, Aryan put into motion something he had been planning for the weekend he was admitted to hospital. With the help of MSH nurses, staff, and family, a private room in the hospital was decorated and Aryan asked Brittany to marry him.

Of course, she said “yes.”

Six years later, Aryan is not only able to celebrate being cancer free, but also taking the next big step towards a bright future, with Brittany by his side. This past June, they celebrated their wedding day in a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by their loved ones.

Aryan experienced firsthand how important it was to receive treatment he urgently needed in his own community.

“Cancer completely takes over your life and there are a lot of moving parts in the treatment process,” Aryan explains. “My ability to get life-saving care close to home meant that I could focus on resting, and that my family and friends were able to be there for me every step of the way.”

He also shares why donor support is so important.

“Equipment and technology play a large role in the ability to diagnose illness quickly, so treatment can begin as soon as possible,” Aryan says. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting the hospital and allowing patients like me to get access to world-class care.”