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.

I am so sorry for your situation. You are at with an outstanding organization. Sarcoma is frustrating since it responds to very few chemos and radiations and is so aggressive upon its reoccurrences. and all we can do is wait to see what is successful. I am waiting as well to see if this miserable chemo is effective at extending my life. Cycle 4 day 6.

REPLY

Good morning, everyone, it has been one month since my surgery for the GIST that was discovered on a routine endoscopy. I have posted before but have been so busy with recovery that I have not given an update in a while. The surgery was successful, Dr. Abbate used the Da Vinci robot to assist him with the surgery, and a great team of other nurses and doctors. The tumor was removed with zero margins, and the growth rate was negligible. Dr Abbate has me on surveillance for five years, with a CT every six months. He only had to do a partial gastrectomy, so my diet will not have to change. I did do two weeks of liquid diet, and then two weeks of soft, and now I am back to whatever I can tolerate.

I feel so blessed on all aspects of this experience, so many things were in my favor, I give all glory to God for that. I want to say I am praying for everyone who has to go through any battle with cancer, that they will have comfort, strength, and resilience all through their fight. I know everyone doesn't have miraculous results, but be of good cheer, God is with you in everything you go through, He loves us all.

REPLY

Hi
My Dad had UPS with lung mets - he’s been on Trabectadin for over 2 years which has been great to be honest, hardly any side effects and it has held back any growth/spread the lung nodules were down to 2/3mm. Recent CT has shown growth of 2mm in just a few, no new growth of nodules and growth nowhere else in the body. Consultant has said the amount of growth would not be classed as progression at this stage and wants to wait for the next CT scan (after 2 more treatments). As Dad had Trabectadin as first line treatment (I wanted him to maintain his QOL if there was no chemo that would cure him), so just wondered has anybody tried anything else for sarcoma lung mets - Erubulin, Pembrolizumab or Pazopanib? I want to be forearmed before we make the decision as I don’t really want him on doxi/ifosamide/gem due to its toxicity without any real positive outcome - many thanks

REPLY

Do you know anything about, or where to get care for, Intimal Sarcoma? See attached screenshot of Nat Myers IG. He is searching for second/third/fourth opinions. If you can help, message him in his Instagram. Thanks! -Steven

REPLY
Profile picture for gemmalt @gemmalt

Hi
My Dad had UPS with lung mets - he’s been on Trabectadin for over 2 years which has been great to be honest, hardly any side effects and it has held back any growth/spread the lung nodules were down to 2/3mm. Recent CT has shown growth of 2mm in just a few, no new growth of nodules and growth nowhere else in the body. Consultant has said the amount of growth would not be classed as progression at this stage and wants to wait for the next CT scan (after 2 more treatments). As Dad had Trabectadin as first line treatment (I wanted him to maintain his QOL if there was no chemo that would cure him), so just wondered has anybody tried anything else for sarcoma lung mets - Erubulin, Pembrolizumab or Pazopanib? I want to be forearmed before we make the decision as I don’t really want him on doxi/ifosamide/gem due to its toxicity without any real positive outcome - many thanks

Jump to this post

Hello....my Wife has rLMS. She has been on Votrient...pazopanib...
since February. She started on a low dose...200mg...to avoid liver impact. She increased to 400mg. Up to now, Votrient has held her lung mets at bay. A small undefined growth on her liver has also stayed small. She's increasing her dose now to 600mg, and will have scans in 2 months to check progress. Up to now, her main side effect of the drug is significantly altered taste. We hope that improves. We've been told Votrient isn't a "long term" treatment. We hope to prove that wrong! Best wishes to you and your Father in your treatment efforts!

REPLY

Hi
Many thanks for your reply, I will add Votrient to the list for discussion with the consultant, best wishes to your wife
Kind Regards
Gemma

REPLY
Profile picture for stevenp @stevenp

Do you know anything about, or where to get care for, Intimal Sarcoma? See attached screenshot of Nat Myers IG. He is searching for second/third/fourth opinions. If you can help, message him in his Instagram. Thanks! -Steven

Jump to this post

Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri has medical staff dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoma cancers.

REPLY
Profile picture for kenc @kenc

Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri has medical staff dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoma cancers.

Jump to this post

I’m in the UK under Velindre Cancer Hospital in Cardiff

REPLY
Profile picture for chuckeg @chuckeg

Hi Colleen,

This is an update. Finished radiation 5 weeks ago. Unfortunately I acquired a blood infection shortly after. Spent a full week in the hospital identifying the infection (bacteria). Eventually getting a Picc line with 2 antibiotics. Got one clear/ clean blood test resulting in being released to home health care, antibiotics 24hours/day for a month. The urgency had 2 reasons, getting ready for a June 17 surgery and stopping this infection from spreading and getting worse. Weekly blood tests were taken at home with improvement showing in basic metabolic panels. Secondly, pain medications have been effective, enough to modify its use by taking Oxy (twice a day, 5 Mg.) and Tylenol (3000 mg) per 24 hours. I've had PT and OT during this time, to get me stronger prior to surgery. I hope to have more after surgery. My pain level in my left leg has also been reduced. The numbness has now spread to my left foot (from my hip). My left leg is restricting movement and balance. My PT has really helped. I have fallen 3 more times in the past 10 days, with a walker (for a total of 12 times since Jan.). Lucky that I have not hurt myself. I'm impatient with my movements (guy thing?). Anyway I'll keep my story on this blog going after surgery.

Jump to this post

Colleen, Ive recently started PT at home after 8-hour surgery for removal of sarcoma that was accesable, leaving some sarcoma behind. The result was removal of a solid form or the mass plus a 4" section of femoral nerve and muscle (psoas?). The pre surgery CT scan showed no metastases. I have only one major complication: left hip pain when maneuvering the leg in some positions. The surgeon said that it takes a long time to heal. I have no superficial feeling below my hip to my lower leg. I still have strength fpr PT exercises.

REPLY

Hello to All....
Anyone having experience with Immunocine please send me an email at mrflyer@aol.com
Thanks
Chris

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.