Doctors thought a dad of 3 had cancer. An offhand suggestion led to an unexpected diagnosis.

TL;DR

Andy Provencher's cycling accident in June 2020 led to the discovery of extensive masses in his lungs.
Provencher spent a year undergoing tests and seeing multiple specialists, with many suspecting an aggressive form of lung cancer.
A physician's assistant suggested the rare immune condition IgG4-RD, leading Provencher to Dr. John Stone, an expert in the field.
Dr. Stone diagnosed Provencher with IgG4-RD and enrolled him in a clinical trial for the medication inebilizumab.
The clinical trial showed that inebilizumab significantly reduced the risk of disease flare and allowed patients to discontinue steroid treatment.
In April 2025, inebilizumab became the first FDA-approved treatment for IgG4-RD.
Provencher is currently taking inebilizumab and feeling much improved, though the damage from the disease prior to diagnosis remains.
Dr. Stone founded the IgG4ward! Foundation to educate patients and connect them with resources, with Provencher's wife serving as director of advocacy.

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