Chad Vanags | Patient Perspective: Why I Don’t Trust You & How We Can Fix It | The Metabolic Link Ep.59

Jan 14, 2025

Chad Vanags, a former SaaS executive turned patient advocate, shares his raw journey facing stage-4 lung cancer. He critiques the shortcomings of the cancer care system, emphasizing the need for improved communication and patient trust. Chad discusses how he embraces a proactive, metabolic approach to his health, integrating nutrition, mindset, and physical fitness into his regimen. His insights challenge the status quo and call for a collaborative revolution in how we approach healing, empowering patients in their journeys.

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ANECDOTE

Delayed Diagnosis And Rapid Progression

Chad recounts his July 2022 stage-four EGFR lung cancer diagnosis and rapid progression to systemic disease.
He describes delayed testing and treatment scheduling that pushed key diagnostics into July 2022.

ANECDOTE

Told ‘‘No Cure’’ And Left To Figure It Out

Chad describes being told his cancer was incurable and labeled “the unlucky 15%.”
He details having to self-educate on labs, nutrition, and scan interpretations because clinicians offered little guidance.

ADVICE

Adjust Lifestyle Before Stopping Meds

Do monitor medication side effects proactively and try lifestyle adjustments before stopping critical drugs.
Chad lowered liver counts by combining meds with intense exercise, hydration, and sleep instead of pausing therapy.

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In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Metabolic Link, we're sharing a full presentation by Chad Vanags, a former SaaS executive and entrepreneur who has turned his stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis into a mission to reshape the way we think about healing. Recorded live at Metabolic Health Summit in January of 2024, Chad shares his journey of becoming metabolically, physically, and mentally elite in the fight against cancer.

Through his deeply personal story, Chad provides a rare and essential patient perspective, shedding light on the gaps in traditional cancer care—from nutrition and communication to the importance of mindset and metabolic health. His insights challenge clinicians, researchers, and patients alike to rethink the medical status quo, spark innovation, and inspire transformative conversations.

This episode is more than just a story of resilience—it’s a call to action to integrate patient voices into the heart of healthcare and foster a collaborative approach to healing.

Listen to this episode or watch on YouTube to explore Chad’s journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his hope for the future of patient-centered care.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.