Bob Balling was on vacation when he learned he had lung cancer. The first sign that something was wrong was the loss of his voice. After an examination revealed a paralyzed vocal cord, Bob learned the possible causes were lung cancer or Lyme disease.

The diagnosis was devastating. Bob had smoked for decades, at one point as many as four packs a day. His cancer was extensive, affecting both lungs and other parts of his body.

“I knew smoking was the cause,” Bob says. “I smoked all day long.”

Bob came to New England Cancer Specialists and met Dr. Haney. From their first consultation, he felt he was in the right place.

“He was very informative. He told me exactly what it was and what he was going to do, and he did it,” Bob says. “He was awesome from the day I met him in the hospital.”

Nearly 10 years later, Bob continues to receive care at NECS, now on a six-week schedule. He credits Dr. Haney with saving his life and says the entire team has made a difference.

“I love New England Cancer,” he says. “It’s the whole team. They answer all your questions, and if you reach out to them, they always help. I’m so comfortable talking to them. They’re there to help.”

That trust has become an important part of Bob’s life. He often turns to his NECS team when he has questions or concerns, appreciating the comfort of knowing people are there for him.

Today, Bob is still working part-time and doing things around the house, while learning to recognize when he needs to slow down. He also understands that living with cancer means adjusting to a new normal, even when there is no evidence of disease.

Through it all, his family has remained a powerful source of motivation. Bob and his wife have two daughters and four grandchildren. He had one grandchild when he was diagnosed and welcomed three more afterward.

“I told my daughter, ‘I can’t go right now. I got a grandson.’”

Bob has also become passionate about warning others about the dangers of smoking. Having grown up in a time when cigarettes were common in schools, hospitals and doctors’ offices, he knows how much attitudes have changed.

“I would tell any young person to never touch a cigarette, never touch a vape or anything smoke-related,” he says. “It’s not worth it.”

His other message is about hope. Bob knows firsthand how frightening a cancer diagnosis can be, but he believes in staying positive and holding on to the things that make life meaningful.

“Don’t you ever take my hope away from me,” he says.

For Bob, nearly a decade of care at NECS has meant more time with his family, more time doing the things he loves and a trusted team beside him along the way. And he wants others facing a cancer diagnosis to know they don’t have to navigate it alone.

“If you have to do a second opinion, then come here,” Bob says. “I’ve actually told friends, you should come to NECS.”