Old Bridge Medical Center Security Officer Recovers from Stage 3 Cancer
January 14, 2025
In January 2024, Old Bridge resident Richard Bruno began experiencing sudden acid reflux and vomiting. The 71-year-old Old Bridge Medical Center security officer sought the advice of gastroenterologist Olga M. Maimon, M.D.,who scheduled an endoscopy and colonoscopy.
“I thought I was getting sick and losing weight from the new diabetes medication I switched to,” says Richard, a father of three and grandfather of three. “I just didn’t feel that great.”
During the endoscopy, Dr. Maimon made a shocking discovery: a large tumor that was bleeding and blocking Richard’s esophagus. She stopped the procedure and told Richard that he needed to be admitted to the hospital immediately.
Silent Symptoms
The following day, oncologist Gregory J. Shypula, M.D., diagnosed Richard with stage 3 cancer, which meant that his cancer had spread to “regional lymph nodes” or lymph nodes around the stomach and distal esophagus.
Dr. Shypula quickly assembled a team of specialists to treat Richard, including Benjamin Jon Golas, M.D., chief of surgical oncology for Hackensack Meridian Health’s central region.
“The reality in stomach or esophagus cancers is that they often don’t produce many symptoms,” Dr. Golas says. “Patients have vague discomfort and some weight loss. They just don’t feel right. But they don’t have any real overt symptoms that bring them to the hospital.”
But going into the hospital that day may have saved Richard’s life.
Richard’s tumor was located where the esophagus meets the stomach. Treating cancer in this area can be complex, Dr. Golas says, but he and his team decided that the best course of action would be a “sandwich treatment” of chemotherapy, then surgery, then another regimen of chemo.
Strong Stomach
Richard’s treatment began with four rounds of chemo, which shrunk the tumor by 60 percent. As is typical with this therapy, he lost his hair and battled nausea, but otherwise, he made it through with limited symptoms. Though he had a feeding tube, he was also able to eat some solid foods and gained 10 pounds before surgery.
On June 20, during a six-hour surgery, Dr. Golas removed Richard’s stomach and part of his esophagus. He then connected Richard’s esophagus directly to his intestines and swapped out the feeding tube for a J-tube to deliver liquid supplements directly into the intestines.
“Whenever you tell patients you’re going to take out their whole stomach, their reaction is usually shock,” Dr. Golas says. “It’s a huge adjustment at first because you lose the reservoir of the stomach.”
He tells patients that they will eat again, just not in the same way they did before. Rather than three meals a day, he tells his patients to plan to eat six to eight small meals throughout the day to avoid overeating.
Richard remained in the hospital for nine days following surgery. His loving wife of 22 years, Cindy, was a constant presence by his bedside.
‘In the Right Place’
A month after surgery, Richard completed the final rounds of his chemotherapy and had his J-tube removed.
“Most patients can’t do all of it because it’s just so much,” Dr. Golas says. “But he really got through it with flying colors. He’s a very strong guy and a very motivated patient.”
Richard has modified his lifestyle, including eating smaller meals slowly, and has maintained his new weight, 50 pounds lighter. He feels good and is excited to return to his security post at the hospital.
“Dr. Golas and his team made me feel truly comfortable and let me ask them a million questions,” Richard says. “I knew I was in the right place for care.”
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Benjamin Jon Golas, M.D.
- Make an appointment with an oncologist or call 800-822-8905.
- Learn more about cancer care at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
