Leon’s Story: Staying Positive Through Advanced Cancer Care and Family Support

Leon Horn was surprised to hear that his white blood cell count was extremely low following a routine physical exam. His doctor sent him to Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology. A biopsy showed that he had acute myeloid leukemia, a fast-growing, aggressive type of cancer. “It’s a shock when you first hear the word ‘cancer,” Leon says.

His oncologist explained the options and didn’t mince words, explaining that normal treatments were only ten percent effective at best. “Hearing the truth from the doctor was important. I think his honesty helped me. I didn’t have to try to interpret what he was saying.” His doctor said he would do additional research and check with other oncologists.

Soon, Leon was being offered participation in a new clinical trial. As an independent practice, FWMOH is free to search for clinical trials that take place anywhere, and with decades of experience conducting clinical trials of their own, Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology is affiliated with hundreds of cancer treatment facilities across the country.

Leon agreed to be a part of a trial through Ohio State University’s cancer center. However, he was able to stay in town and received his treatment locally through FWMOH. This made it much easier for Leon, “My wife and daughters and whole family did everything to help me stay positive. They came to see me every day in the hospital.”

Leon recalls all the support he received from FWMOH, too, citing their up-to-date knowledge, research and professionalism. “In the hospital, there were a number of different doctors from Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology on call, so it wasn’t just my doctor that came to see me, they all did. The nurses were quite positive in treating me, too.”

Leon’s cancer has been in remission for three years. Today he says that he is more aware of how suddenly life can change: “You have to be extremely thankful. Having cancer makes you realize how quick life can go from you. So, you appreciate it more than before.”