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Diagnosed with sarcoma? Let's share

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Jun 21, 2017

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.

boston2006 | @boston2006 | May 19, 2018

My daughter was diagnosed with myofibroblastic sarcoma in 2006. Amputation at mayo. Have never met another patient with same cancer. Would love to connect with anyone who may have had same cancer.

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2 replies
kristennursepatient | @kristennursepatient | May 19, 2018

Hi, I'm Kristen, 36, I was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma November 2017. My tumor had pressed against one of my ureters blocking the drainage from my kidney (causing pain similar to a kidney stone) and was very small when it was found. I've been through 7 rounds of chemo and have had surgery to remove the portion of the ureter that had the tumor. The tumor was unable to be seen on CT after just the 3rd round of chemo,, so things are going well. I'm being treated by the sarcoma group at Mayo in Rochester, MN. Each of my chemos requires a hospital stay of 3-6days which is hard on this mom of 4 (ages 11-20).

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djj1954 | @djj1954 | May 19, 2018

I was diagnosed with sarcomatiod urotheial carcinoma cancer in 2013. Now 4 1/2 years cancer free!

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Dlady | @damlady2 | May 19, 2018

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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3 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 13, 2018

I'd like to let you know about an upcoming event at Mayo Clinic on July 14: Leiomyosarcoma Patient Education Symposium 2018.
You can find out more about the event here: https://ce.mayo.edu/hematology-and-oncology/content/leiomyosarcoma-patient-education-symposium-2018#group-tabs-node-course-default1

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3 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 17, 2018
In reply to @deborahe "Similar to JeffK, I was diagnosed with a laryngeal cancer: Cricoid Chondrosarcoma. I was diagnosed in..." + (show)
@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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Here's the direct link to @jeffk's article: https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2018/04/12/retaining-his-voice-with-radical-treatment/
Thanks for sharing it with us, Jeff!

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deborahe | @deborahe | Apr 17, 2018
In reply to @deborahe "Similar to JeffK, I was diagnosed with a laryngeal cancer: Cricoid Chondrosarcoma. I was diagnosed in..." + (show)
@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

Jump to this post

Hi Jeff, Thanks for letting me know. It has truly been a remarkable journey. I I plan to share it with my family and friends, and wish you and your family all the best. I'm so happy for your health and your great attitude. Life is sweet! PS: It's nice to have a face to put with the name!

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jeffk | @jeffk | Apr 17, 2018
In reply to @deborahe "Similar to JeffK, I was diagnosed with a laryngeal cancer: Cricoid Chondrosarcoma. I was diagnosed in..." + (show)
@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

Jump to this post

Deb, Hope this finds you well and look forward to learn how your recovery continues to progress. On April 12th Mayo published an article concerning my journey and I wanted to share it with you. The following link will take you to the sight; the article is titled “Retaining His Voice With Radical Treatment” https://sharing.mayoclinic.org

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 30, 2018
In reply to @biceto "He is having surgery today UK time. Axilla back chest shoulder. More than 6 sites of..." + (show)
@biceto

He is having surgery today UK time. Axilla back chest shoulder. More than 6 sites of concern. Late stages as several previous unsuccessful surgeries and new areas of concern arisen this time.

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Hi Biceto, just thinking about you and your friend in the UK. Hoping for the best.

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Biceto | @biceto | Mar 27, 2018

He is having surgery today UK time. Axilla back chest shoulder. More than 6 sites of concern. Late stages as several previous unsuccessful surgeries and new areas of concern arisen this time.

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