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.

@mkoebs

My undifferentiated sarcoma was removed from my knee and on my five year anniversary of being cancer free several spots were seen in my lungs. I’ve had surgery to remove the two largest nodules a few months ago. Now just waiting anxiously until the next CT scan to see if other nodules have grown and can be surgically removed. I’ve joined a sarcoma cancer support group (virtually) hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering and would be happy to share the link to application if you’re interested.

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Yes, I’d like the link. Thank you,

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My undifferentiated sarcoma was removed from my knee and on my five year anniversary of being cancer free several spots were seen in my lungs. I’ve had surgery to remove the two largest nodules a few months ago. Now just waiting anxiously until the next CT scan to see if other nodules have grown and can be surgically removed. I’ve joined a sarcoma cancer support group (virtually) hosted by Memorial Sloan Kettering and would be happy to share the link to application if you’re interested.

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Ellen here. I have Synovial sarcoma which started in my calf, was removed and am now showing a growing spot in the lower right lobe of my lung. Anyone else with Synovial sarcoma spreading to the lung?

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Soon see plastic surgeon Monday

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@celeste59

Luckily 30 days of radiation but still open would and looking at flap surgeru

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Oh, an open wound anywhere is hard to manage. But this must be particularly hard if you're not able to sit. How soon might you get surgery?

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@colleenyoung

Welcome @celeste59. That must be an uncomfortable place to have treatment and to recover. What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

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Luckily 30 days of radiation but still open would and looking at flap surgeru

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@celeste59

Stage 2 high grade sacoma in my buttox

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Welcome @celeste59. That must be an uncomfortable place to have treatment and to recover. What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

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@colleenyoung

Hi @me67 @udderplace @brinys @deborahe @jeffk @Laydeewinx @sheila2005 @funkynotes @zshivaughn @jacobito @swstar,
I'd like to invite you to the new discussion group for people living with sarcoma. What type of sarcoma have you been diagnosed with? Are you currently in treatment or finished with treatment?

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Stage 2 high grade sacoma in my buttox

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@msannino

I’m a 69 year old male in otherwise generally good health. In September I was diagnosed with Liposarcoma of the Retroperitoneal area with a 6.1cm x 6.7cm tumor abutting top of my left kidney. Telltale symptoms (fatigue, night sweats, dry cough) began in April. The diagnosis was made at Fox Chase Cancer Center of Temple University Health Systems in Phila. The pathology report after biopsy of tumor indicates a subtype of well-differentiated cells, though the Surgeon Oncologist said there is potentially some de-differentiated cells showing up in surrounding fat. His recommendation is five weeks (25 days) of radiation on the tumor area, followed by 5 weeks of recovery, then open surgery to remove the tumor mass, left kidney and possibly the spleen. The left kidney is currently healthy and is only abutted by the tumor making it close in proximity. Per the surgeon, the reason the kidney would be removed is due to the damage caused by the radiation treatments. In my meeting with the Radiation Oncologist, I asked if the radiation treatment can be made precise enough to treat the tumor and prevent/minimize damage to the left kidney. She said that she would adjust the target area based on what the surgeon’s plan was regarding the margin he plans to remove (full kidney or partial kidney). My hope is that both radiologist and surgeon can agree to work to spare a portion of the left kidney, but I don’t think the surgeon is inclined to change his plan. I am going for a second opinion at Penn Medicine Sarcoma program this coming week, but Fox Chase doctors bizarrely told me in advance that they expect I will be told by the Penn doctor that he recommends surgery up front, without radiation treatment. If so, that demonstrates how rare this cancer is, where two leading cancer treatment centers in the same city do not agree on the same treatment protocol. If the second opinion recommendation by Penn Medicine is for surgery up front as predicated by Fox Chase doctors, I may be facing the need for a possible third opinion.

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so confusing!

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@marys1956

I have stage 4 Leiomyosarcoma. Football-size tumor mostly removed. Nodules on right lung and liver. Starting chemo soon. Live north of Mpls-St Paul Mn.
~ Mary

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I am waiting to see if chemo and radiation made a difference.
It is truly a mind blowing time of life!
Blessings to you!

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