Diagnosis - sarcoma

Hello all

I got my results on Tuesday; unfortunately it's a type of sarcoma; Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. From what they say they caught it early and it's superficial and all I might need is surgery and radiotherapy. I'm going to need a CT scan to see if it spread to my lungs as the sarcoma is on my left shoulder blade

My questions are, will this affect my mobility? I'm left handed and though I can do things with my right hand I'm not that good.

Also what are side effects of radiotherapy to the shoulder, as I'm also a carer to a parent with a degenerative condition when I'm not at work I need to be able to take care of them.

I have not yet told my family as I want to know fully what my treatment will be and I also don't want to worry them. They have stressful jobs and we've had a difficult few years having lost a parent too. My work know though and they are being supportive 

Many thanks for your time :) 

  • I'm sorry to hear you received a sarcoma diagnosis MomoLennon but it's good to hear it's been caught early and that treatment is available.

    We have some information about surgery and radiotherapy for your type of sarcoma on our website but if you'd prefer to discuss this with one of our cancer nurses, they'll be available next week on 0808 800 4040 between 9a.m - 5p.m.  You may also be able to get further information and advice from the bone and soft tissue cancer charity Sarcoma UK.

    Hopefully some of our members who have the same diagnosis will share their experiences and advice with you soon but in the meantime, we're thinking of you MomoLennon and hope the results of your CT scan will show the cancer hasn't spread to your lungs.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi MomoLennon

    i hope you don't mind me reaching out. I am currently awaiting a diagnosis (highly likely sarcoma) and struggling to process this all so wanted to find someone on similar situation. I am 36 years old and just gave birth to my first baby so it all feels rather cruel.

    hope your treatment is going well, would've great to connect.

  • Hello,

     

    I don't mind at all!

    First of all I'm so sorry that you are going through this!! It's so scary. I would advise not to go through it alone and to let people you know and trust in on it. I found that the burden of keeping it a secret harder than the actual ordeal some days.

    I'm always here if you want to chat too - I definitely know what you are going through

    After my official diagnosis I was operated on within a month and an now having radiotherapy five days a week. Currently at work full time too

     

     

  • Hi

    I'm in the same boat as you. Waiting for a diagnosis of what might be sarcoma. I have had an ultrasound and an MRI so far both of which were inconclusive. I'm now waiting for the results from a biopsy. Hopefully these will be available in the next 1-2 weeks. I keep jumping to the worst conclusions. My 'lump' is large and painful so is a constant reminder that all is not well with my body. I keep looking up things on google and sometimes it seems reassuring and at others it seems really 

    I'm terrified of being told it's already spread.

    I wish you all the luck with your diagnosis and hope its good news

    H