He came in because of blisters and was diagnosed with advanced cancer

Alon Levy, 54, from Hadera was just starting a new chapter in his personal life and newly married. He was divorced from his first wife, with whom he has two children, ages 25 and 30. He remarried to Hila, and the two planned on expanding their family. In January 2022, Alon noticed blisters on the palms of his hands and scalp, and also saw an enlarged lymph node in the groin area. He came to Hillel Yaffe, and they initially suspected that he had an infectious disease. His blood tests showed high levels of white blood cells, which set off alarm bells for Dr. Mahdi Asali, a senior physician at the Hematology Institute. “His blood tests revealed increased protein activity, which can be a sign of a malignant disease. We took a biopsy from the lymph node to check whether we were dealing with an infectious disease and a biopsy to check the bone marrow,” said Dr. Asali.

Two hours later, the bad news was delivered - that Alon had been diagnosed with myeloma. “It’s a form of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. When these cells change and grow uncontrolled, it can lead to damage to the bones and increase the risk of bone fractures. In Alon's case, the disease had progressed, and there was already damage to the bones,” said Dr. Asali.

Alon, who began to understand what this meant, gathered all his physical and emotional strength and set out to fight for his life. He began a series of treatments at Hillel Yaffe's Hematology Institute and then underwent a bone marrow transplant. After the transplant, he continued to receive biological treatment as consolidation therapy, which he still continues to receive.

Alon Levy, his wife and their young son with Dr. Mahdi Asali and the staff of the Hematology Institute at Hillel Yaffe

At the same time, Alon and his wife were planning to have a baby. “When I discovered that I had the disease, we began a process of sperm aspiration so that we would be able to begin fertility treatment.” While he was receiving treatment, the two learned they were expecting. “We were so happy to receive the news of the pregnancy, and it gave me a boost to continue fighting. My wife was by my side throughout the journey, even when I had the bone marrow transplant. It wasn’t easy.”

Since having the successful bone marrow transplant, Alon goes to the Hematology Institute once every two weeks to receive biological therapy to consolidate the disease. “The Institute has become my second home over the past two years. I don’t have the words to thank the professional and dedicated staff that always welcomes me with a smile, listens and cares about my wellbeing, especially my doctor, Dr. Asali, who is available to me 24/7 - it's not a given.

The disease, as noted above, cannot be fully cured, but Alon has learned to live with it. “The disease remains active, but not at the same intensity. I receive maintenance therapy to prevent the disease from flaring up, and I live a normal life with fairly good quality of life. I do have pain, but I've learned to live with it and not give up. I believe that part of my recovery is due to positive thinking and, of course, my family, who give me the strength to get up every morning with a smile and not give up.”