Diagnosed with sarcoma? Let's share

I had all done in a single surgery. Remove tumor and affected cricoid cartilage and then the trachea was rotated 90 degrees and reattached so that tracheal cartilage could support the airway in place of missing cricoid cartilage. The procedure was called a Rotational Tracheoplasty. I spent the first month post-op in a minerva brace (neck brace) to restrict movement while healing.

Thanks Jeff and Deb for kicking off this discussion. It will help new members and visitors find discussions about sarcoma and know they can have the confidence to ask questions of the community. The discussion between you about Cricoid Chondrosarcoma (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cricoid-chondrosarcoma/) is a perfect example of getting support from someone who has been there.

How significant was reconstructive surgery for each of you? Was it done at the same time as tumor removal?

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

I was diagnosed with Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma on July 12th, 2016. Fortunately after a very thorough diligence process which involved seeking out the best of the best surgeons across the country we found Dr. Eric Moore at Mayo. He was the only one out of eight doctors that was confident he could remove all of the cancer, rebuild my cricoid cartilage and maintain all of my functionality. On February 21, 2017 following five surgeries my trach was removed and I am cancer free and well on my way to a full recovery. My voice will never be the same given the tumor impaired my voice box and paralyzed on of my vocal cords. If there is any way in which I can add value I am happy to. Gratefully, Jeff

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?