Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the knee

Hi, I wonder if you could help us understand a few more details from a different opinion to the doctors and consultants. My mother who is 69 and active was diagnosed with sarcoma in the right knee about 5 years ago, she had 2 or 3 operations, to remove then skin grafts. About a Month ago after MRI's and tests has shown it has come back on top of the knee cap and attached to local tendants etc. She has been given 3 options. 1 remove cancer with 20% chance coming back and stiff leg. 2 remove cancer with 20% cancer coming back with a reconstructed knee and a potentially permanent brace. 3 amputate above knee with a potentially 99% of removing all cancer. 
A consultant today said it hasn't gone anyway else in the past 5 years so it's unlikely to spread to lungs as it hasn't done so far, so my mum is thinking maybe she'll go for option 2 with reconstruction and a brace now that's she heard this. We are of course worried it may still spread else where and not sure what to advise her for the best. Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately my mum has to make a decision with the next 3 days. 
kind reagrds

Steve

  • Hello Steve1978

    I'm sorry to hear that your Mum is now being recommended to have surgery. It's clearly a difficult decision about which option to take and I can understand your concerns about the cancer spreading. 

    An above knee amputation is a big operation and the recovery even more so. I would imagine that your Mum is considering the implications that this may have on her quality of life and perhaps feels that the on balance it's worth the risk of taking the option for reconstruction with a slightly higher chance of the cancer returning. 

    I'm sure that you'll support Mum in whatever decision she makes but if she or you have any questions about the surgical options then do get in touch with the Consultant to ask for more advice or information. 

    We send our best wishes for your Mum's surgery and a smooth recovery. 

    Jenn

    Cancer Chat moderator