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.

After many tests ( ultrasound & Scan ) that we’re negatives ,I went to my surgeon who operated on me last year for an inguinal hernia and about my symptoms.
I was ask to obtained the scan CD.
Upon his review of the CD and discussions with a radiologist his prognosis was a lipopama cancer.
Upon checking on Mayo Clinic my symptoms are matching.
I have referred to an oncologist who requested another scan and I have an appointment next week.
Things are moving quickly and I have a support from my wife and will share with my families after the oncologist visit and the action’s plan.
Thanks to Mayo Clinic and the weath off informations and supports.
Claude

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Hello! I have a sarcoma in my liver, and possibly in my lungs: epitheleioidhemangioendothelioma! Whew!! 15 syllables! otherwise known as “E.H.E.”. Diagnosed in 2008, I have had two surgeries (one at Mayo in MN), one in Phoenix (where I live), and a debTACE (outpatient) procedure. I have always been asymtomatic, fortunately! I am currently under the care of AZ-Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Mahesh Seetharam, and I am very happy and satisfied inder his care.
Dr.

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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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Hello. I have leiomyosarcoma, asymptomatic, as is often the case, until Stage 4. Had diagnosis, radical hysterectomy, removal of sigmoid colon in Feb 16, 2018 Dehiscence (stitches came open) 3/1. No followup care offerred so went to a Sarcoma Center, which has been SO much better, though my body is still struggling to cooperate with the medical plan. Started chemo with just a finger-tip size piece of granulation tissue remaining in healing wound. Unfortunately, that was enough to cause sepsis which was followed by mucocytis. Currently back home (which is lovely) with instructions and IV antibiotics for healing the wound completely. To go back to Sarcoma Center 6/11 for chemo restart. Long saga already, eh? Everyone has one, right?
Grateful for husband (43rd anniversary today) who takes very good care of me, 2 of 3 children very supportive (every family has one), lots of good friends, relationship with Divine that helps my daily life. And sarcoma still sucks. Ive already had a recurrence (before this month off). Not happy about my prognosis but it will be what it will be. I feel good today and it is gorgeous here today. Some days I do okay. Some days I am just sad. Busy trying to close my business this week. Sad. Lots of loss but enjoying what I can. Appreciate everyone's sharing and learn something from every post.

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@deborahe

Similar to JeffK, I was diagnosed with a laryngeal cancer: Cricoid Chondrosarcoma. I was diagnosed in Dec 2013 and immediately scheduled for a total laryngectomy. After doing a lot of research on this rare cancer, I found studies published by Dr Jan Kasperbauer at Mayo Rochester and sought a second opinion from him. I had two conservative "debulking" surgeries in Dec 2013 and July 2016 to reduce the tumor size and retain functionality of voice, breathing, eating and drinking. With tumor regrowth after the second debulking procedure, it was decided that more extensive surgery was needed to remove the tumor and structurally support my airway. I had that surgery April 4, 2017 and am progressing through recovery. I had a temporary tracheostomy for 2 months. My case is very similar to Jeff K's and I am very thankful to have had his advice and support through my surgery and recovery. Our surgeons chose different methods to address our situations, but both have been successful.
I am also happy to help or listen.
Deb

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@jeffk. @deborahe. Love hearing the good news. Getting back to your workouts took lots of persistence. Very encouraging & motivating. Thanks for sharing. Ventibug

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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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@bennyhill38. Feeling for you and your wife. My husband and I are experiencing so many of the same type of dilemmas and feelings as we deal with my sarcoma. Currently on "a break" from chemo after 1 cycle to heal a wound infection remaining from original surgery after it caused sepsis. This 3 weeks, my body is fighting the infection. Noone is fighting the cancer. Ventibug

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@wendy76. I had my initial eval and radical surgery for soft tissue sarcoma in my community but I am so grateful to have been led (research, prayer, talking to people with more experience) to have gone to a sarcoma center for further care. They are SO much more knowledgeable about disease process, treatment options, and the lived experience of sarcoma. Of course they are! The oncologists see 2 full days of clinic patients each, every week, and there are 20 oncologists in the sarcoma center. There are 2 inpatient units just for sarcoma. They have offered me so much more. I wish you and your family the best for you and trust you will know what that is for you and yours. Ventibug

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@bennyhill38

I am very upset that she lost her battle to cancer on January 6th 2018 she passed away. So I ask myself what went wrong? Why did my loving wife passed just a year later just 4 days before her birthday. I feel that more could have been done and wasn't. I believe they should have not done the surgery on her leg but did chemo and radiation first to shrink the tumor. However I am not sure what to think anymore. We later found out that they missed the diagnosis in 2008. If they would have taken care of it then maybe she would be alive today who knows. I am telling you all beware of having surgery first. I truly believe once they did the surgery it spread to her lungs. Also the tumor just grew back where they did the surgery. My advice is get plenty of second opinions I think your best option is do the chemo / radiation before the surgery so it doesn't have a chance to spread. It was a very sad situation for my wife that passed. The suffering she had to go through and the stupid politics we also had to go through. I think personally the swept her under the carpet because She was on disability and I am a disabled veteran. We don't have 500k for pay someone so guess what your dead. It really sad this country went from patient care to patient service. You only survive now on how much money you have not because it the moral right thing to do is try to save her life. God bless all of you and I only wish you the best. One thing it did do is bring me closer to GOD!

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@bennyhill38, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I'm glad you returned to share with us on Connect. There are some questions that we'll never know the answers to. I invite you to take part in this discussion in the Caregiver's group:
- Loss and Grief in Caregiving https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-and-grief-in-caregiving/

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I am very upset that she lost her battle to cancer on January 6th 2018 she passed away. So I ask myself what went wrong? Why did my loving wife passed just a year later just 4 days before her birthday. I feel that more could have been done and wasn't. I believe they should have not done the surgery on her leg but did chemo and radiation first to shrink the tumor. However I am not sure what to think anymore. We later found out that they missed the diagnosis in 2008. If they would have taken care of it then maybe she would be alive today who knows. I am telling you all beware of having surgery first. I truly believe once they did the surgery it spread to her lungs. Also the tumor just grew back where they did the surgery. My advice is get plenty of second opinions I think your best option is do the chemo / radiation before the surgery so it doesn't have a chance to spread. It was a very sad situation for my wife that passed. The suffering she had to go through and the stupid politics we also had to go through. I think personally the swept her under the carpet because She was on disability and I am a disabled veteran. We don't have 500k for pay someone so guess what your dead. It really sad this country went from patient care to patient service. You only survive now on how much money you have not because it the moral right thing to do is try to save her life. God bless all of you and I only wish you the best. One thing it did do is bring me closer to GOD!

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@damlady2

I have had 12 surgeries for removal of my lipsarcoma since 1988. I have also had radiation and a cyroablation. I will be having a biopsy of what appears to a return again of my disease. I have also had lung cancer with removal via VATs. All but 3 surgeries have been at Rochester Mayo. The recent surgeries have been a concern because they are close to the bronchial plexus as demonstrated again on the most recent. Has anyone had multiple returns of lipo sarcoma like this after surgery and radiation?

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Thank you for the info. I am very hopeful that after the biopsy my Orthopedic surgeon can provide me with a solution for treatment. The main concern right now is the effect on my right shoulder arm nerves. I have had tingling and limitations with movement. I know I am being treated with the best liposarcoma Doctors.

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Hello @zazu,

Thank you so much for sharing and joining this group. Wishing you the very best for tomorrow's surgery; we'd love to hear back from you, as and when you are able to post about your progress. The Connect community will be here for you, waiting to share their insights, which I'm certain, will help you in making those decisions.

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