I also have leiomyosarcoma, one year survivor. I am on two support lists on Facebook. The moderators either have leiomyosarcoma or a loved one does. The lists are extremely helpful to see how others are treated, survival, advice, etc. Most state having direct access to a sarcoma specialist is essential. The center where I am treated, Karmanos in Flint, Mi. Has a social worker who had reached out and spoken to me two or three times. Both about the emotional and psychological effects of having cancer and the burden and fear of/of your spouse and caregivers, your own anxiety, etc. They also have support groups. I see my own private therapist on video weekly as I have for some years. I am a reader and researcher by nature, and I devour every word on the subject. Not everyone wants to do this. As for the inoperable- I had a ovariohystrectomy with appendectomy and removal of most of my momentum last December. They did not get clear margins. I was stage 2b until mets were found in my lungs. That automatically states you at 4. I was terrified and down-hearted until I realized how many have survived and even thrived for years with a stage 4 diagnosis. I was deemed not a candidate for further surgery also. Sometimes the tumors are in places where they can't access, at least while also keeping us alive. I was very sick, sepsis, heart failure, pneumonia, etc after my first chemo and after a lung biopsy. I pulled through and even though I could not move, was hugely bloated with fluid, and had felt I was dying one of the days during this ordeal- when the team came in and one or two suggested hospice. I became very angry and said I want to fight. I will recover and we will try something else. They had given me 2-10 weeks. I had my great pt come out. He got me up, standing, walking, I had to do the stretching and walking homework. Back and forth in this little house. I began losing fluid and weight. My oncologist was amazed and delighted at my follow up. I had genetic testing I had been pushing for. They started me on liposomal doxyrubicin, which I did tolerate. Skipping over some stuff...I ended up with radiation to both lungs, just finished yesterday. Off the chemo, taking an oral med twice a day I just started Saturday. I am of course anxious, but hopeful. At 65, a few more years would be a gift. There are 20 year, 10 year, 5 year survivors in the groups!! Just remember- not knowing if you are religious- statistics are not the word if God; doctors are not God. Use them as a guide; and fight for yourself like hell. I hope this helps. Jill front Michigan
I am a 34 year survivor...mine located in my left groin area...so many years ago that they didn't have a rating system of levels...which I really am thankful for...yes...I still say to myself..."Get out and stay out of my body...you are not welcome"...wishing you years Jill.