Alan Katz is 65 years old and lives in Newton, Massachusetts. He is retired and loves to spend time with his family. He has 3 children and 8 grandchildren. He spends a lot of time with his grandchildren. He also loves to exercise and keep in shape. Alan works out 4 times a week with a personal trainer.
An AML diagnosis
Alan was diagnosed with AML 6 years ago, in November 2020. He was having a lot of back pain and had an MRI done. The doctor discovered that the color of his bone marrow was a concern. He was immediately sent to a hematology oncologist where he had a biopsy done. The next day Alan was diagnosed with AML with a FLT3 mutation and was admitted to the hospital.
He was told that he would not survive without a transplant. In February 2021, he received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. 97 days post transplant, he relapsed. He was then given a 30% chance of survival. That was 5 ½ years ago.
A treatment journey
Alan initially received one round of induction therapy and one round of consolidation therapy. He had 1 week of chemotherapy before his transplant and 2 weeks of chemotherapy after his relapse followed by a donor lymphocyte infusion. This is a type of immunotherapy where healthy white blood cells (lymphocytes) from a donor are infused into a patient who has received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant from the exact same donor.
Alan was able to reach remission. Today he takes Gilteritinib (Xospata), a FLT3 mutation inhibitor medication. This medication is for patients with the FLT3 gene mutation. Gilteritinib specifically binds to and blocks the FLT3 protein.
Living with cancer
Alan admits that living with cancer carries a feeling of a grand piano floating above your head and you never know when it’s going to fall. But, he has learned to keep looking forward and not look back. He has also learned to appreciate the simple things in life because sometimes the smallest things turn out to be the most important. Don’t wait until you’re healthy to begin living life again.
Finding HealthTree and becoming a coach
Alan’s wife discovered HealthTree on Facebook. They listened to a talk given by an AML survivor and were so impressed they signed Alan up on the website. Alan now serves as an AML coach. If you are interested in learning more about him or requesting him for a coach, click HERE. HealthTree has become a great partner in his cancer journey.
Alan’s advice on living with cancer
Alan has lived by 2 guiding principles:
You need to live your life one day at a time.
Never give up hope!
Conclusion
Alan Katz’s story is a powerful example of resilience, hope, and the importance of living life to the fullest. Despite living with an AML diagnosis, relapse, and uncertain odds of survival, Alan has continued to move forward and appreciate the time he has with his family and loved ones. His journey shows that cancer may change your life, but it doesn’t have to define it.
Just like Alan, join HealthTree today to help guide you on your cancer journey, wherever you may be on that path. Together we care. Together we cure.
HealthTree's Coach Program
HealthTree's Coach Program offers personalized support for people living with blood cancer. Here you can connect with a dedicated team of patient and caregiver volunteers who can help you find the best resources for your care.
