Cancer Treatment: Patient's Guide to Support, Clinical Trials & Diet
Featuring: Richard Bagdonas, Bodybuilder, Healthcare Technology Professional
In short
Richard Bagdonas, who beat stage IV mantle cell lymphoma as patient #1 in a clinical trial at MD Anderson and later survived aggressive prostate cancer, shares what he learned about building a support network, exploring clinical trials, and using diet and exercise during treatment. The resource covers practical steps for finding the right oncologist, navigating the healthcare system, and managing the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis — useful for newly diagnosed patients and the people supporting them.
- •Tell people about your diagnosis openly — sharing on social media or with colleagues can connect you to someone who knows the right doctor, a relevant study, or a helpful resource you wouldn't have found alone.
- •Ask your care team whether a clinical trial is an option; trials can offer access to treatments not yet available through standard care, and Richard was cured of lymphoma in 56 days through one.
- •During treatment, cut out sugar, alcohol, processed foods, and fruit, eat whole foods, and aim for 60–100 ounces of water daily — but talk with your medical team before making changes.
- •Keep moving if your doctor approves: lighter, time-boxed exercise can help maintain strength, ease chemotherapy side effects, and support your lymphatic system and mental health.
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Brad Power September 17, 2025 “I have found that in the community that is in and around cancer and cancer treatment. It is just that it is a community. The moment that we get a diagnosis, and we enter the black box of cancer care, it is so important to let other people know that we are there, because if you are silent about it, people won't know that they can come and support you. I was very vocal when I got the diagnosis.
com, and I said, ‘Hey, I've just been diagnosed with stage IV mantle cell lymphoma. I've got three to five years to live. ’ I invited anybody that wanted to come in to share their words of wisdom and encouragement and communicate with me.
’ It was only because I was vocal about it and transparent with my diagnosis that I was able to recruit the people that helped me find the right doctor, get the right treatment, and encouraged me as I was going through it, because there's plenty of times where you feel like, ‘Is it worth it? ’ Because I've had friends of friends who have told me that their loved one was going through chemotherapy. It was tough.
And they just decided to give up and not go to the next treatment. And unfortunately, they passed. ” – Richard Bagdonas “There are ways that I have found to help with survivor's guilt. The first one is to help others. ’ I also offered help.
’ And if you think about a tour guide, I have been tour guides for over 50 people so far in helping them find the right care, staying away from content that was not going to help them, and ensuring that they had the positive coaching necessary to get through it. I also advocated by sharing my story with others.
I wrote my state reps, and I donated to organizations that were helping move cancer treatment further along, and then I volunteered by looking for opportunities. I visited cancer centers. I'm now a member of the patient council at Texas Oncology and still a spokesperson for MD Anderson.
Meeting Summary
Patients and their families face crippling fear each time a cancer diagnosis is made. Richard Bagdonas, his family, and his support group faced the same challenges, including how to find the "right oncologist" to ensure successful outcomes such as when to choose a clinical trial over local oncology. Bodybuilder Richard Bagdonas was diagnosed with Stage IV lymphoma at the age of forty-five, then aggressive prostate cancer at 50.
Richard was patient #1 in a clinical trial at MD Anderson and was cured of lymphoma in 56 calendar days. He later spent two years in treatment for prostate cancer with a positive outcome. com, serving as the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Healthcare Architect for MI7, and serving as Chief Operating Officer for Remote Operations. How can you find your best cancer treatment?
•Build your support community; be vocal about your diagnosis; leverage your personal and professional networks; connect with people who have similar experiences; seek support from cancer communities and advocacy groups
•Advocate for yourself in the healthcare system.
•Understand the standard treatment options and research experimental and cutting-edge treatments; explore all options.
•Actively participate in your care; ask questions; consult multiple doctors and get second opinions.
•Be open to clinical trials and innovative approaches. How can clinical trials improve your cancer treatment outcomes?
•Clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments that may offer better outcomes, fewer side effects, and hope if you have limited traditional treatment options. How can exercise improve your cancer treatment outcomes?
•Maintain strength during treatment.
•Reduce side effects (especially from chemotherapy).
•Lymphatic system support (moves lymphatic fluid through the body).
•Increases mental clarity, reduces stress, and helps maintain a positive mindset.
•Faster recovery. How can diet improve your cancer treatment outcomes?
•Eliminate sugar, as cancers feed on sugar.
•Avoid alcohol.
•Eat clean, whole foods.
•Remove processed foods.
•Consider pH-balanced and macrobiotic options.
•Stay hydrated (60-100 ounces of water daily).
•Avoid fruit during treatment (due to sugar content). How can mental health practices reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well- being? “Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell
•Guided self-meditation : Close your eyes and systematically address worries by identifying what's bothering you; categorizing concerns as past, future, or present; and speaking out loud to give yourself permission to let go of unproductive thoughts.
•Present-moment focus : Clear mental clutter by scheduling future concerns on your calendar, resolving immediate interpersonal conflicts, and eliminating distracting thoughts about tasks and obligations.
•Active meditation : Practice mindfulness during routine activities like exercising with eyes closed, listening to music, and focusing on your breath and current sensations. How should you design your exercise, diet, and mental health practices?
•Consult with medical professionals before starting new regimens.
•Personalize your approach based on your individual health condition.
•Track and document your experiences.
•Remain flexible and willing to adjust strategies. How can you build a supportive community and leverage technology during your cancer journey?
•Be vocal and transparent about your diagnosis on social media and with colleagues.
•Create dedicated communication channels for group updates (Slack, text messages, email, or social media).
•Be proactive in communications; provide regular updates to reduce pressure on yourself and your family.
•Invite people to support you and share wisdom. How can you deal with “survivor's guilt"?
•Help others: Offer support to people recently diagnosed with cancer by becoming a "tour guide" for their care journey.
•Share your story: Speak publicly about your experience, write to representatives, appear on podcasts, write a book, engage on social media, and donate to organizations advancing cancer treatment.
•Volunteer: Look for opportunities to support cancer centers and patients, such as joining patient councils. How can you learn more about the experiences of engaged cancer patients and caregivers?
•Connect with Richard Bagdonas at richard@fitforanybattle.com to learn more about his "Fit for Any Battle" program and book.
•Join online support groups and forums, such as community.cancerpatientlab.org .
•See summaries and video recordings of discussions with engaged patients, such as:
••
•“A Hackathon (Molecular Tumor Board) for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patient and Cancer Researcher Dr. Elliot Davis” etter Patient Outcomes and Experiences”
••
•“A Cancer Hacker Solves His Own Needs and Helps Others Access the Best, New, Personalized Tests and Treatments” The information and opinions expressed on this website or platform, or during discussions and presentations (both verbal and written) are not intended as health care recommendations or medical advice by Cancer Patient Lab, its principals, presenters, participants, or representatives for any medical treatment, product, or course of action. You should always consult a doctor about your specific situation before pursuing any health care program, treatment, product or other course of action that might affect your health. Meeting Notes KEYWORDS Cancer survivor, fitness journey, mantle cell lymphoma, immunotherapy, prostate cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diet, exercise, mental health, survivor's guilt, patient advocacy, clinical trial, testosterone replacement therapy, lymphatic system. SPEAKERS Richard Bagdonas (73%), Brad Power (15%), Jeff Marchi (7%), Rick Davis (3%), David Plunkett (2%) CHAT CONTRIBUTORS Roger Royse, Helen, Jeff Marchi, Rick Davis SUMMARY Richard Bagdonas shared his journey as a cancer survivor, detailing his diagnosis of stage IV mantle cell lymphoma in 2018, his treatment with immunotherapy at MD Anderson, and his subsequent battle with aggressive prostate cancer. He emphasized the importance of diet, hydration, and exercise, including weightlifting and BMX biking, in his recovery. Richard also discussed the role of mental health, stress management, and community support in his treatment. He highlighted the significance of being vocal about his diagnosis to build a supportive network. OUTLINE Richard Bagdonas' Background and Medical History
•Richard Bagdonas is a cancer survivor with a focus on fitness.
•He is a leader in the patient advocacy space, recommended by many people.
•He has an active lifestyle as a weightlifter and BMX biker.
•In 2018, Richard was diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of lymphoma with a three to five-year lifespan without treatment.
•He became patient number one in a clinical trial at MD Anderson using pure immunotherapy, achieving clinical cure in 56 calendar days.
•In 2020, Richard caught COVID-19 and had pneumonia, and in 2022 he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, undergoing a prostatectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and two years of hormone deprivation.
•Diet, hydration, and exercise are very important.
•The role of diet in cancer treatment includes avoiding sugar, alcohol, and fruit, and focusing on a clean diet.
•With immunotherapy and traditional oncology treatments, following medical advice is important.
•Survivor's guilt can be turned into a positive by helping others and advocating for cancer care. Complementary Activities and Therapies during and after Treatment
•Hydration is important, especially during chemotherapy.
•Exercise, including weightlifting and BMX biking, is important in cancer treatment.
•A workout program should focus on time-boxed sets and avoid heavy weights to prevent injury.
•Exercise can maintain strength and reduce side effects of cancer treatments.
•The use of cold and hot therapy can manage side effects.
•Rest and sleep are important for recovery.
•Integrative and complementary therapies, including glutathione supplements and peptide injections, are worth considering.
•BPC 157 and TB 500 can help with injury recovery.
•A gym environment and the support of a workout partner can help in recovery.
•Contrast tub therapy and NormaTec can help with lymphatic system support. Advocacy and Community Support
•It is important to be vocal about your cancer diagnosis and build a support community.
•You can create a Slack channel and use social media to connect with others.
•Transparency and openness in cancer care can help in receiving support and guidance. Stress Management and Meditation
•Stress management techniques include meditation and guided conversations with oneself.
•You can use meditation at the gym, focusing on clearing past and future worries to stay present. Final Thoughts and Summary
•Community support, transparency, and active participation in cancer care are important.
•Exercise, diet, and stress management can improve treatment outcomes.
•You should experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you.
Full transcript
Brad Power This is the Cancer Patient Lab. We're glad to have Richard Bagdonas with us today. As you can tell if you're looking at this screenshot, he's an exercise person as well as a cancer survivor. He's been doing some work on fitness, among other things, but today he's going to mostly be telling us about his journey as a cancer survivor.
At the Cancer Patient Lab, we like to highlight people who actively engage in their care and get better outcomes as a result. Sometimes we call them citizen scientists or rogue patients or inpatient patients,but the people that get second opinions and get information and try to guide their care. This is for information purposes only. This is not medical advice. We try to harm our patients with information they can take to their medical team.
We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3), and we depend on the kindness of donors to fund our operations and bring you webinars like this. So if you are so inspired, it's easy to do by going to our website and clicking on the donate button. Richard and I connected many years ago when he was working on the fitness stuff, and then more recently, he's been recommended to me so many times by people who highlight him as a leader in the patient advocacy space.
Richard Bagdonas
What you're seeing here is “Fit for any Battle”, which is a book that I wrote about my cancer journey and how fitness helped me get through and conquer cancer. Let me walk you through. Let's go back to 2018. In 2018 I was 45 years old. I have an amazing wife named Tina. I call her the amazing Tina Schweiger. And our kids were six and three years old. That is Alec and Sky.
com, a weightlifter for five days of the week, and a BMX biker for two days of the week. And also a member of #pinksocks. Pink Socks is a movement that started on Twitter to provide pink socks to people in healthcare that were doing amazing things. So at the time, I was doing wonderful but shortly thereafter, I started a seven year journey in healthcare as a patient. In 2018 I was diagnosed with stage IV mantle cell lymphoma.
Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare form of lymphoma found at about 6% of patients the stage IV indicated that I had about a three to five year lifespan in front of me, and with if I did not get treatment in 2019 I became patient number one of a clinical trial at MD Anderson in Houston that used pure immunotherapy to immunotherapy drugs in unison, in a in a clinical trial that took 15 years to come together, and I was patient number One, and I was clinically cured in 56 calendar days.
In 2020 because I was still on immunodepressive drugs, I was one of the first folks in Austin to catch covid. I had pneumonia, about 30% lung capacity. Went to the hospital twice. The second time they said I wasn't going to go home because I would likely be intubated, and at that time, over 70% of the patients that were being intubated in Austin were not going home. But I found a way to get out of there.
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