Finding Hope After a Stage 4 Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumor Diagnosis: Tonya’s Immunocine Story
When Dr. Tonya Reynolds was diagnosed with Stage 4 Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumor, she was told her treatment options were limited. With a prognosis of approximately 17 months, chemotherapy was presented as a way to potentially slow the disease, rather than a path toward recovery.
But Dr. Reynolds wasn’t ready to accept that as her only option. Determined to find a treatment that aligned with her goals, she began researching alternative approaches and ultimately discovered Immunocine’s Double Loaded Dendritic Cell therapy.
Her decision to pursue treatment at Immunocine would become a turning point in her journey, leading to renewed hope, a remarkable recovery, and ultimately, scans showing no evidence of disease.
“I had peace with coming here because I never had peace with chemo, I never had peace with palliative [care].” — Tonya
A Devastating Diagnosis and Limited Options
Dr. Reynolds was initially diagnosed with a Malignant Nerve Sheath Tumor in May 2024. She underwent surgery and radiation to remove the tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence, while focusing on her health through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
But in April 2025, follow-up scans revealed two tumors that had been present as early as December 2024 but were missed on an earlier PET scan. Her cancer had progressed to Stage 4.
The news was devastating, particularly for her family. Dr. Reynolds recalls sitting on the porch with her daughter, who was home from college, and realizing how deeply the diagnosis was affecting those closest to her.
“I realized that, okay, I’ve got to change my perspective. I’ve got to change my outlook. I’ve got to change everything about this.” — Tonya
She knew she needed to approach the road ahead with a different mindset, not only for herself but for her family.
Finding Immunocine and a New Approach to Treatment
As Dr. Reynolds researched Immunocine’s personalized dendritic cell immunotherapy, the science behind the treatment resonated with her. She had already been working to strengthen her body through lifestyle changes, but the idea of helping her immune system recognize and respond to cancer cells offered an approach she had been searching for.
“If it can’t recognize it, then how does it fight at all? This therapy was 100% what I was looking for.” — Tonya
Before traveling to Cancún, Dr. Reynolds underwent preliminary chemotherapy to reduce her tumor burden. Despite concerns about how her sarcoma might respond, the treatment successfully reduced the tumors, helping prepare her for the next phase of care.
Although she initially had reservations about receiving treatment outside the United States, those concerns quickly faded once she experienced Immunocine’s personalized approach.
“I can’t say enough positive things about this team. It’s such a concierge service. You’re getting a service where you would not get in the United States.” — Tonya
For Dr. Reynolds, having a dedicated physician accompany her to appointments and a team invested in her care made the experience feel entirely different from what she had previously encountered.
Moving Forward With New Purpose
Since returning home, Dr. Reynolds has experienced a remarkable improvement in her energy and quality of life. Activities that once felt difficult became possible again, and she began exploring new ways to support her health through tai chi, qigong, and teaching mobility and movement classes.
But her experience has also inspired a greater purpose.
Together with her best friend, Dr. Reynolds started the Vision of Hope Cancer Foundation, an initiative dedicated to supporting cancer patients in her local Tennessee community and surrounding counties.
After experiencing the uncertainty of a difficult prognosis firsthand, she wants to help others find the encouragement and support she once needed herself.
“People need hope, and I think that’s one thing about the Immunocine team. They gave me hope.” — Tonya
For Dr. Reynolds, her journey has been about more than the results of her treatment. It has been about finding peace in her decisions, rediscovering her strength, and turning her personal experience into a way to help others facing cancer.
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