Diagnosed with sarcoma? Let's share
Because sarcomas are rare, I would like to start a conversation to help connect people living with sarcoma or caring for someone with sarcoma.
As you know, sarcoma is the general term for a broad group of cancers that begin in the bones and in the connective or soft tissues (soft tissue sarcoma). There are many different types and sub-types of sarcomas, for example: angiosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), Kaposi's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, osteosarcoma, pleomorphic sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma and more.
Let's get to know one another. Why not start by introducing yourself? What type of sarcoma have you been diagnosed with?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sarcoma Support Group.
Hi @sherip how did the consult with the breast surgeon go? How are you doing?
@zazu, how are you? Did you ever consider genomic testing?
I have started aggressive chemo treatment first, then planning mastectomy in January. They will do genomic testing when I have surgery. I am currently doing well but just started chemo a few days ago.
I had my surgery 2.5 years ago. I am slowly feeling better. From what I understand, I am cancer free. If I get recurrence, then genomic testing would be done.
In July 2019, I was diagnosed with a Myxoid Liposarcoma in my right thigh (just above the knee). I completed the five weeks of radiation and was impressed with the professionalism and individual care provided by the radiation oncology department. Other than fatigue and the burn appearance to the leg (that really appeared two weeks after the completion of radiation), the radiation had minimal other side effects. The radiation worked well to minimize the impact of the tumor prior to surgery. Now two months following surgery (that was very impressively performed by the Mayo teams), I wonder how others with invasive leg surgery (particularly if there are others with functional flaps) worked through rehab. Chris
Welcome to Connect, @creedyfly. I'd like to introduce you to @kathythornjohnson and @godsgotthis, who also have myxoid liposarcoma. I hope they will return to share experiences with you.
In the meantime, back to you Creedyfly. Have you started rehab? What concerns you about rehab with composite functional thigh flaps?
The coccus I’ve unit of centracare in St Cloud has benn very helpful. In particular, the exercises to increase my visual space borders This involves using thumb tracking excercises.
Really interested in the length of time to regain ability to walk and be less dependent? I am still no weight bearing for at least 30 days.
Hi, @creedyfly - I'd like to tag other members in this discussion who may have input on invasive leg surgery (particularly if there are others with functional flaps) and rehab, especially regarding the length of time to regain the ability to walk and be less dependent. Hoping @udderplace @kathythornjohnson and @godsgotthis will return and share any experiences they've had with leg surgery. Though this member talked about leg surgery for a different type of sarcoma, @boostar also may have some thoughts, as may @wsh66. I'd also like you to meet @merpreb.
creedyfly, wondering what your rehab has entailed thus far?
None yet. No weight bearing at this time.
I'm so glad to hear this news! Thank you for sharing your information -- as a new patient, I greatly appreciate it. Wishing you all the best.