Photos & Article courtesy of Brianna Mayhair, Jamestown Regional Medical Center

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – One Jamestown native says he’s looking forward to relaxing.

Doctors diagnosed Ryan Dillingham with testicular cancer in November 2021. He began treatment at Jamestown Regional Medical Center that December. Today, the 30-year-old is the most recent graduate of the JRMC Cancer Center.

“I knew something was wrong before my diagnosis,” Dillingham said. “I went and got it checked right away.”

The American Cancer Society advises men to to see a doctor right away if they find a lump in a testicle. Younger men are often more susceptible. Some symptoms include lump on the testicle, enlarged or swollen testicle and heaviness or soreness in the lower belly.

Dillingham credits his mom, Mary Jo, with helping him through his journey.

“She’s been my rock,” he said.

A fellow cancer survivor, Mary Jo offered tips and tricks while going through chemotherapy. Her advice included snacks like Ginger Snaps and Ginger Ale to help with nausea and lots of protein, rare steak being Ryan and Mary Jo’s favorite.

Watching her son battle cancer was harder than battling it herself, she said.

“As a parent, it’s hard because you would take their place if you could. It’s especially hard since I know what he is going through.”

Dillingham said care close to home allowed him to rest and relax.

“It feels homey here for me,” he said.

Dillingham credits the JRMC Cancer Center team, saying they are “fantastic.”

“Anytime we get the opportunity to help provide care for a patient that gets to ring the bell, it’s extra special,” said JRMC Registerd Nurse Garret Hillius. “Cancer patients go through so much throughout the diagnosis and treatment phases of cancer and I really commend Ryan for how well he took things in stride.”

The JRMC Cancer Center opened in 2019 in partnership with Sanford Health. Since then, it has saved individuals like Dillingham more than 500,000 miles of travel. Each month, the cancer center team offers more than 200 chemotherapy infusions in six naturally lit, private infusion bays.

Dillingham completed three cycles of chemotherapy, each cycle containing five to seven treatments. Dillingham graduated Jan. 28, 2022 from the JRMC Cancer Center.
“Ryan and his mother were so appreciative of the care that they received here, but the fact is, it’s Ryan’s strength and courage throughout his journey with cancer is what truly should be appreciated,” Hillius said. “It was truly an honor to get to know Ryan and his mother. I couldn’t be happier for them. I wish them all the best.”

“You need to stay positive and laugh in rough times,” Dillingham said. “That’s what helps you get through bad times.”

To learn more about care at JRMC or to schedule an appointment, visit jrmcnd.com/cancer.