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Diagnosed with sarcoma? Let's share

Sarcoma | Last Active: Apr 24 6:07pm | Replies (775)

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@suzanneb

I hope it's ok for me to post- my husband had a sarcoma and I was his caregiver. He was diagnosed at age 39 in 2009 with a stage 3 "Ewings-like" sarcoma on his left leg near his knee & luckily with no bony involvement.
It took longer than usual for diagnosis since it wasn't exactly Ewings. I think they explained that it had slightly different DNA.
Finally they decided to say Ewings 'like' and treat it as such.
We lived in Dallas at the time and saw 3 Dr's. We decided to go to Mayo (Rochester) for another opinion. We were most comfortable with the doctors and approaches there. The most important part was surgery to get clear margins. Several doctor friends gave advice that since this is such a rare cancer, he needs to find a top surgeon who has had many, many experiences with treating sarcomas.
His team made the plan for him to do several rounds of chemo (he was considered young in cancer years so he had a rigorous pediatric regimen), 5 weeks of radiation, surgery to remove the tumor, followed with several more rounds of chemo which was 10 months total treatment.
His oncologist was fantastic. He worked closely with our oncologist in Dallas so we could stay at home for treatment. We lived in Rochester for 5 weeks with our 2 daughters during radiation, followed by the surgery.
He finished with 6 rounds of chemo at home and finished in May 2010. We have always come back for check ups so his doctors could use their equipment, radiologists, and have their eyes on him. Not super practical to go back and forth, but cancer isn't very practical! 😉 I hope that helps!

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Replies to "I hope it's ok for me to post- my husband had a sarcoma and I was..."

Hi @suzanneb, caregivers are always welcome. By your sharing your and your husband's experience, other people who are newly diagnosed with Ewing's-like sarcoma will know they are not alone. It is so helpful to find fellow unicorns. How often do you return to Mayo for check-ups now that he is 7 years post treatment?

Thanks!
We were up in April for a round of scans and the next time they will see him is in two years. His dr said that at this point my husband, Travis, would be more likely to find something to check out before they would. He said soon he won't be scheduled for regular scans and they will see him as needed if we call.
Makes me happy and gives me anxiety all at once. He's never been worried about a scan, but I've gotten so used to them for reassurance!

Thank you so much for sharing! I was diagnosed in Dec 2018 (at age 38) with Ewings type sarcoma in my right upper leg. Did chemo, surgery (with clear margins), more chemo, and 6 weeks of radiation (in Rochester). I'm just 3 months our from my last chemo, and it's really encouraging to hear about someone who has struggled with the same things as me, and is doing ok! Thank you!