Diagnosed with sarcoma? Let's share

Hello Deb, I hope that this note finds you in great health! My wife and I were at Mayo on Monday for my first full year annual check-up and I am delighted to report that I ma totally cancer free, the reconstruction sight looks pristine and there has been no shrinkage at the sight as well. I am exercising and running and having the time of my life with our grandchildren. I look forward to hear of your progress and wish you well. Your fellow survivor and thriver, Jeff

Thank you. I've tried every rub, cream, herb, yoga, meditation, etc you can think of. The only thing I haven't tried is acupuncture. I guess I need to research it but can't see how it would help? The B'ham docs went back and forth with a 50/50 cancer diagnosis and that is why I finally decided to come to the Mayo. I feel strongly that they will be able to help me but honestly, the symptoms are so great the FEAR of cancer is very heavy on me right now and has been for the past five months. Looking for any relief I guess, even if it's just someone to talk to...

@sarcomasurvivor

I am glad that you shared your story with Connect! How wonderful that you went to Mayo and received a refined diagnosis. I'm also glad to hear that you are following up on a regular basis. I find it difficult to believe when a doctor doesn't want to follow up with a cancer survivor.

Teresa

Hi, Valerie. I was diagnosed with a uterine leiomyosarcoma with extension into the colon in February. I have found pain is very personal. Things that have helped me include traditional helps for relaxation of the whole body like massage from a therapist skilled in treating people with serious medical problems, hot baths, imagery and prayer, etc. What has helped me most is craniosacral therapy. I receive it from a physical therapist, therefore it has been covered by insurance. Craniosacral therapy may be learned by any professional who has a license allowing them to touch people therapeutically and that includes pysicians (especially DOs), nurses, chiropractors, massage therapists. There are probably more disciplines and it varies some by state.

Hi Valerie, You might try acupuncture for pain. Also yoga may help with breathing easier.
Best of luck on your diagnosis. Let’s hope it’s NOT cancer and you get some relief soon. /christine19

Hi, my name is Valerie. I was diagnosed with gastric Leiomyosarcoma, and they believe it is benign but I have all of the symptoms of cancer. They will not know for sure until the tumor is removed. I've tried medications and there are too many side effects. Is there any kind of therapy that will help with pain and breathing issues other than medications that you guys can share? Looking for any help please....

Hello,

I was diagnosed with high grade uterine sarcoma "NOS" in 2009. Had surgery, AIM chemo and radiation at local Illinois hospitals. Was screened for 8 years by my local oncologist, who then said I no longer needed screening as I had no recurrence. Now receive yearly screening at Mayo, a recognized sarcoma center, as sarcoma can reappear years after treatment. Mayo also refined my initial diagnosis to high grade undifferentiated uterine sarcoma. Blessed with good health for the previous 9 years, but now experiencing some apparent late effects of treatment.

Hi and thank you for the introductions! I feel like I'm in uncharted waters with a variety of physical issues popping up after 9 years of no problems. GI problems may be due to pelvic adhesions, pelvic floor problems and radiation. Thorough work up at Mayo. Vision problems next with Mayo diagnosing unexplained skew deviation, though some question of thiamine deficiency due to malabsorption. Now fatigue and peripheral neuropathy.

Hi everyone. Initially diagnosed with uterine sarcoma NOS in 2009. Surgery, AIM, radiation at local hospitals in Illinois. Started seeing Dr. Okuno at Mayo when my local oncologist said I no longer needed to be followed. Mayo diagnosed me with high grade undifferentiated uterine sarcoma. 9 years NED. Now yearly scans chest and abdomen.

Hello @sarcomasurvivor,

I'm so glad you've joined Connect - welcome!
I’d like to introduce you to @123cheryl @cvandyke @diane060 @kate123 @mdotsie @dezi @skunklady13 who have discussed uterine and endometrial cancer/sarcoma. While it would appear that your diagnoses differ, I thought you’d like to meet each other.

Although this discussion about uterine sarcoma took place a while ago, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/uterine-sarcoma/, I do hope @kathy555 @judithvt @dmas will return to join in share their insights.

@sarcomasurvivor, are you presently experiencing late side effects of the chemo and radiation?