Sarcoma Survivor Turns Setback into Strength After Transformative Treatment

When Mike Bell turned 65 in 2022, he started focusing on his health. He began paying closer attention to what he ate, added regular exercise to his routine, and committed to making wellness a priority.

In early 2023, Mike had an appointment with his primary care provider. His blood markers were abnormal, and he had lost 10 lbs. Although it was concerning, Mike says medical tests were inconclusive.

During that time, Mike was a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune,” his favorite game show. He flew to California for the taping and solved every puzzle but one. He took home prizes in cash and vacations.

Unfortunately, his excitement and success were overshadowed by excruciating pain in his right leg. He remembers not being able to sit and limping when he walked. “I thought it was sciatica pain,” Mike says, until he saw his thigh had doubled in size.

That was the beginning of a difficult medical journey—one that involved a transformative decision and treatments that ultimately saved his life.

Doctors prescribed medications, but Mike says his leg was not getting better. He was frustrated and decided to seek a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic.

Physicians in the Emergency Department at Cleveland Clinic Brunswick Family Health Center identified a 20-centimeter lesion in his thigh. He was transferred by ambulance to Cleveland Clinic main campus, where doctors diagnosed him with a high-grade sarcoma following a biopsy.

Sarcoma is a rare type of malignant tumor that develops in bone and connective tissue. Mike’s sarcoma was a soft-tissue cancer that spreads quickly. It typically occurs in lower extremities, like the legs, ankles or feet.

In the spring of 2023, Mike began receiving pre-operative radiation therapy. However, midway through the regimen his team of physicians stopped the course of treatment because the sarcoma was growing.

“The plan was to remove the tumor,” Mike remembers. But when doctors found the lesion had grown to 37 centimeters in just three months, the plan quickly changed. “The surgeon said the lesion couldn’t be taken out safely because it was now in my pelvis. My best chance at survival was to amputate the leg and part of my pelvis.”

Mike’s care team needed to move quickly. Mike says his initial reaction was no to the amputation, but after talking with his wife and adult sons, he realized amputation was his best option for a longer life.

“My family helped me snap out of my funk, and I said, take the leg,” Mike remembers.

In June 2023, orthopaedic oncology surgeon Lukas Nystrom, MD, successfully performed Mike’s amputation.

When Mike was discharged from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility, he worked hard to adapt to his new life. “I take pride in overcoming obstacles and problem-solving,” Mike says. He figured out what works best for him in terms of getting around -- using forearm crutches and a wheelchair.

Being a problem-solver, he adapted his crutches to hold a cell phone and a water bottle. “I don’t like to rely on other people,” Mike states. “I didn’t want to be a burden.”

A few months after surgery, new cancerous spots – a recurrence of the sarcoma -- were found on his lungs and groin. In response, radiation oncologist Shlomo Koyfman, MD, developed an aggressive and innovative treatment plan that included high-dose radiation therapy, called stereotactic body radiation therapy or SBRT and immunotherapy.

SBRT targets small tumors with large radiation doses without damaging nearby healthy tissue. It can deliver the optimal dose of radiation in fewer treatment sessions than conventional radiation therapy.

After three months of treatment, Dr. Koyfman says the cancer responded well with a complete response.

“Dr. Koyfman’s creativity and ingenuity saved my life,” Mike says. He also credits the team of medical oncologist G. Thomas Budd, MD, and surgeon Dr. Nystrom.

“A team-based approach is essential when caring for patients with complex conditions like Mike’s. Each member of the care team brings unique expertise, and when we collaborate, we can develop the most effective treatment plan possible,” says Dr. Budd. “Just as important, our patients are active and vital members of that team—we make decisions together, with their goals and values at the center.”

During his sarcoma treatment, Mike was challenged again – this time with squamous cell carcinoma on his tonsil, discovered during a routine dentist appointment. It was unrelated to his sarcoma.

Dr. Koyfman emphasized completing the sarcoma treatment was the top priority. Once that was finished, they would address Mike’s throat cancer.

When the time was right, Dr. Koyfman again used a novel approach to treat the new cancer. Rather than following the standard seven-week treatment plan, he devised a three-week regimen of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This adjustment was made to ease the burden on Mike, who had already undergone extensive treatment for his previous cancer. The approach was guided by data from recent clinical trials specific to Mike’s type of disease.

Mike recently finished the treatment for his throat cancer, and Dr. Koyfman says he is doing amazingly well. He will be monitored every few months with PET scans.

“I’m almost euphoric to be alive,” Mike says. “The medical team at Cleveland Clinic has given me another shot. Everything takes longer and is harder without my leg, but I’m fantastic.”

Besides continuing to work, Mike plans to spend more time with his wife, Devienne, three sons and three granddaughters. He also wants to relearn to play golf, drive, and give back by becoming a mentor for others facing similar diagnoses in the 4^th Angel Mentoring Program.

“There’s no manual for life,” Mike says. “If I can help or inspire one person, that’s enough for me.”

“Mike and I both know we have very little control in this world, but he has a positive, grateful attitude,” Dr. Koyfman says. “He’s walking around with one leg and he’s happy, smiling, living each day. He is an inspiration, and it’s a real privilege to be able to take care of him.”