Overcoming the unexpected: Veteran cancer survivor tells her story

From 1987 to 2009, Army Veteran and cancer survivor Irene Wells trained as a nurse but quickly found herself drawn to the rigor of airborne training, eventually joining the 82nd Airborne Division at what was then known as Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Her time in the military was marked by extensive training across multiple disciplines, which she embraced with enthusiasm and dedication. Over her 22-year career, she served in many locations, including Korea and Saudi Arabia and three years overseas during the Gulf War as part of the Army’s Asia Pacific operations.

“I had a deep love for serving in the Army and thrived on the challenges that came my way,” said Wells.

An unexpected cancer diagnosis

After retiring, Wells settled in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the picture of health before her cancer diagnosis in April 2024. She ran nearly five miles almost every day until just one week before her diagnosis.

“I started to experience shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, fatigue and swelling in my abdomen after my runs,” she said.

Concerned, she sought medical attention at the Memphis VA Medical Center (VAMC), where she was immediately sent to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma.

Wells recalled the shock she felt when the results came back: “I was in denial. I thought they had the wrong person. Who exercises up until their cancer diagnosis?”

Getting through treatment

Soon after receiving the diagnosis, Wells met with a team of VA oncologists in Memphis who moved quickly to determine the most effective treatment plan for her. Through VA’s National Precision Oncology Program (NPOP), further testing revealed that Wells had a rare genetic mutation specific to her cancer. NPOP utilizes advanced technology and genomic insights to provide personalized, precise care for Veterans with cancer. This genetic mutation indicated that Wells would respond better to a targeted anti-cancer medication called Imatinib, offering an alternative treatment to traditional chemotherapy. “I felt so weak before starting treatment. I lost almost 30 pounds, but after just one week on this targeted medication, I felt my strength start to return.”

Wells’ team of oncologists, nurses and staff have ensured that every aspect of her treatment plan is executed smoothly and in alignment with her unique needs.

“There have been countless visits and numerous rounds, yet they have always made sure to comfort and take care of me by going above and beyond,” said Wells.

With her treatment, Wells’ walking, speech and swelling have improved. She is hopeful for the next step of her journey with VA by her side, saying, “If you’re fighting cancer, there’s no better place to go.”

Learn more about VA cancer care

For more information on how VA’s National Oncology Program works shoulder to shoulder with Veterans to provide best-in-class cancer care, please visit cancer.va.gov or contact cancer@va.gov.