Joseph

Joseph

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In the summer of 2023, a physician and dedicated mountain biking coach from Paducah, KY noticed something unsettling: his legs were becoming fatigued quickly, and he was struggling to keep up with his usual pace. During a mountain bike race, he experienced a sharp chest pain. Concerned, he sought medical attention, and his CBC (Complete Blood Count) revealed abnormal levels. He was immediately flown to Nashville, where he was referred to Stephen A. Strickland, Jr. MD, Director of Leukemia Research for Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI).

Joseph was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a revelation that forced him to make aggressive decisions about his treatment within days. With a history of childhood malignancy and prior chemotherapy, he fell into a rare category. Dr. Strickland and his team discussed the importance of looking for specific biomarkers and exploring newer drugs tailored to his unique case. Soon, he began with a standard chemotherapy regimen.

“The shock of my diagnosis and life changes were significant. I went from being a practicing physician, an active husband and father, and an avid mountain biker to being isolated on a hospital floor in an entirely different state. I was being faced with tough healthcare decisions but as more test results came in, they revealed I was eligible for a new menin inhibitor that could really target my specific kind of cancer,” said Joseph.

His support system was integral to navigating this challenging time. His wife stayed by his side, managing work remotely and helping him make crucial decisions. His professional connections as a vascular neurologist also provided a wealth of advice. But it was Dr. Strickland's compassionate and comprehensive approach that truly made the difference. With each new piece of information, Dr. Strickland updated the treatment options, ensuring that Joseph felt informed and confident in the decisions being made.

Dr. Strickland emphasized the role of clinical trials in providing the best available therapies, underscoring the importance of tailoring treatments to each patient's biology. For Joseph, clinical trials became a lifeline, offering opportunities he never imagined possible. The urgency of having both traditional and research options brought immense comfort.

Once identified as a candidate, he was able to enroll in a clinical trial the very next day, which was an oral medication in combination with traditional chemotherapy. As Joseph progressed through his cancer journey, he returned to mountain biking. His clinical trial was effective and allowed him to return home and to his daily routine.

“Participation in a clinical trial meant not just accessing cutting-edge therapies but getting Joseph back on the mountain trails as both a participant, and a coach to his daughter’s middle school mountain bike team. This is the power of clinical trials,” said Dr. Strickland.

Today, Joseph rides 80 miles a week, is back to work, remains an active member of his church, participates in his mountain biking team, and travels with his family and dogs.

“Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had known from the start that recovery was possible. My journey has profoundly impacted my personal approach to patient care. It has provided me a unique perspective on what it means to be a patient, emphasizing the importance of compassion and genuine communication. I learned firsthand the difference it makes when providers meet patients where they are, a lesson I now carry into my own practice,” said Joseph.

Joseph will remain on the clinical trial and travel to see Dr. Strickland monthly while taking oral medication once daily as part of a planned two-year course of maintenance therapy.