Latest news with #Sarcoma
Irish Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mum diagnosed with rare cancer after noticing a tiny lump on her leg
A Co Down mum has opened up on her cancer diagnosis that came as "a massive shock". Kirstie Smyth lives in Ballymartin near Annalong with her husband Conor, sons Ben and Ollie and daughter, Amber Rose. The 39-year-old explained that her journey began when she noticed a small, pea-sized lump behind her knee one evening while sitting on her sofa. Kirstie was diagnosed with Sarcoma in January 2023 and is sharing her story "to help raise awareness of this rare and often overlooked cancer" to mark Sarcoma Awareness Month. The mum-of-three said: "I went to cross my legs and felt something unusual. I attended my GP, who initially thought it was a raised lymph node and nothing to be concerned about. But the lump began to grow." In October 2023, following an appointment at the Ulster Hospital, Kirstie received the life-changing news that she had Sarcoma cancer. In Ireland, around 270 people are diagnosed with sarcoma each year, however the Irish Cancer Society adds that accurate data about the actual diagnosed number of cases is hard to find because cancer is reported as the area of the body where the cancer is found. Sarcomas can appear almost anywhere on or in the body and many are only found after investigations for a condition which seems unconnected with cancer. "It was a massive shock, it flipped my whole world upside down," she said. Her surgeon arranged a series of staging CT scans to check whether the cancer had spread. Kirstie explained: "That was one of the hardest things to process. My thoughts immediately went to my children and husband, wondering what was going to happen. I was very lucky to have Jill, the Sarcoma Nurse, with me that day. She held my hand and still does. Getting the news that it had not spread felt like winning the lottery." The Co Down mum underwent three major surgeries over the course of ten weeks, including a wide excision and a skin graft, after the initial procedure failed to achieve clear margins. Kirstie said: "The biggest impact for me was my mobility. A large portion of the back of my knee was removed, right on the bend, so I woke up in a full leg cast and needed crutches. Five weeks later, I underwent further surgery for a wider incision and after that, I required further surgery again to get another skin graft put onto the back of my leg, so in 10 weeks, I had three big surgeries. "It was very, very tough. I had not realised how dependent I would become. I went from being totally independent to needing help with absolutely everything." She also underwent 30 sessions of radiotherapy, which presented additional challenges and told: "Because I could not drive, I had to rely on others to get me to the hospital every day for six weeks. It was physically and mentally exhausting." Despite the intense treatment, Kirstie continues to receive follow-up care. She said: "I now attend chest X-rays every three months, because if Sarcoma comes back, it often goes to the lungs. It is a mental burden, but I remind myself how lucky I am to be so closely monitored." Kirstie credits her recovery to the dedicated team at the Ulster Hospital, particularly Consultant Surgeon, Mr Harry Lewis, Sarcoma Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jill Kennedy, and the staff on Ward 4C. "They were amazing and with me every step of the way. People think when you ring the bell, the journey is over, but really, it is only just beginning. The aftermath can be just as tough." Kirstie is passionate about spreading awareness of Sarcoma. "It is known as the 'forgotten cancer'. Many people I have talked to had never even heard of it. It is an aggressive cancer that can often go undetected until it has progressed. Early detection is vital and treatable." Her advice is: "If you notice a lump, even if it is painless like mine, get it checked. Ask the question. Do not be afraid to push for answers. A lump that is getting bigger should never be ignored." The Co Down woman's son Ben, 19, told: "Mum is my role model in life. She's been through so much and she just keeps going. She has been inspirational to all of us and is probably the bravest person I know." South Eastern Trust, Sarcoma Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jill Kennedy, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis. She said: 'Sarcoma Awareness Month is a chance to raise the profile of this rare cancer and drive home the need for early detection. Many patients experience delayed diagnosis, and we are working with GPs and primary care professionals to improve symptom recognition and help patients get diagnosed earlier." Jill added: "It is a privilege to support patients like Kirstie through such a difficult time. Our goal is to ensure they and their families feel fully cared for throughout their journey. "Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the body's connective tissues. There are two main types, bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. Symptoms can include a lump or swelling, unexplained pain, or reduced mobility. As with many cancers, early detection is key." The Irish Cancer Society said: "Sarcomas are rare malignant (cancerous) tumours which affect bone, cartilage or soft tissues (muscle, nerves and fat). The most common type of sarcoma is soft tissue sarcoma. Four out of five sarcomas are found in these tissues. More than half of soft tissue sarcomas are found in the leg, although sarcomas can affect any part of your body." The Irish Cancer Society said: "Symptoms can vary a lot depending on the type of sarcoma and the following are general guidelines only." For soft tissue sarcomas, it's important to get any unusual lumps checked by a doctor. A lump is more likely to be a soft tissue sarcoma if it is: It is possible to have other symptoms, depending on where the sarcoma is in the body. Symptoms of bone sarcomas include: You can access further advice and support by visiting The Irish Cancer Society's website here. It also offers a freephone support line on 1800 200 700. You can also contact Sarcoma Cancer Ireland, a registered charity led by sarcoma patients and carers, here.
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool's Sarah Mayers has terminal synovial sarcoma cancer
52-year-old Sarah Mayers from Trevethin has terminal synovial sarcoma cancer and was recently given just one year to live. Sarah is currently in the process of putting in a complaint against Pontypool Medical Centre and says GPs aren't diagnosing sarcoma in time. Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that typically develops in the soft tissues near joints and tendons, particularly in the arms and legs. Sarah undergoing chemotherapy treatment whilst fighting against sarcoma (Image: Sarah Mayers) Speaking about her experience Sarah said: 'I went to the doctors with pins and needles, and they passed it off as arthritis and fibromyalgia. 'If this had been picked up earlier it, would it have saved my life. We could have possibly removed most of the tumour, but they couldn't remove the tumour because it had grown. 'The two friends that I made in Velindre one was told she had IBS and the other something to do with her ovaries. I think by the time they pick up it's either spread or too late.' Sarah and her husband together before she had cancer (Image: Sarah Mayers) Sarah first visited the doctors back in March 2024 after experiencing numbness in her shoulder. She was told she would need an X-ray and was referred to a physiotherapist. In May she fell over the family dog and believed she had broken a rib. This resulted in breathing difficulties and another visit to the doctors in June. The van which Sarah is travelling in to raise awareness (Image: Sarah Mayers) She told the Argus: 'They sent me away give it time to heal as it could be a broken rib and then I couldn't breathe taking the dogs for a walk like I normally do.' Later the same month after waiting 18 hours in the Grange A&E for a chest X-ray, she heard the word "cancer" for the first time. Soon after in October she received a letter from the NHS confirming her diagnosis. Since this, Sarah has undergone extensive chemotherapy treatments, but her prognosis remains the same. Sarah's badges raising awareness about sarcoma (Image: Sarah Mayers) Accepting this has been overwhelmingly difficult Sarah explained: "People have been really supportive they say to me they can't get over how I handle it. 'My husband he couldn't focus and me I suppose I was in denial. I still am now when people say to me, they can cure it part of me thinks that but in the back of my head I know they can't it's hard to take in. 'It makes me angry I just want to get the awareness out there all last week I was trying to get it set up.' Sarah and her husband in the van together (Image: Sarah Mayers) July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. In preparation for this Sarah has set up a website with informative information that'll help people spot the signs of Sarcoma. Alongside this, Sarah and family have been experiencing different weekend trips in a minibus decked out with customised stickers centred around Sarcoma. She's been making the most of her time left and has gone on a helicopter ride, is planning a trip to Ireland and recently booked a cruise with her sister. Sarah making the most of life on a helicopter ride (Image: Sarah Mayers) A GoFundMe set up by Sarah's son in law has also been created to help give Sarah and her family the quality time together they deserve. So far, £165 has been donated. Sarah said: 'We bought a six-seater bus and a van, and it's got customised stickers on the side we plan to go off in that. 'We also raised money by selling badges that's gone mad and raised money for Velindre as some family members did the three peaks in Abergavenny raised money that way. 'Everyone is behind me 100%.' The medical centre declined to comment on this matter.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Haircuts for a cause: fighting Sarcoma Cancer
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – From now through June 13, the community can give back by getting a haircut to raise money for Sarcoma cancer. Nine independently owned and operated Great Clips throughout the Charleston area are raising money to 'Help Great Clips Cut Out Sarcoma Cancers' in partnership with MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. According to fundraiser officials, customers can donate what they like, and if they donate, they will receive three dollars off their next haircut at one of the participating salons. All proceeds will go to furthering Sarcoma research and clinical trials Those interested in donating can visit any of the following salons: Great Clips Moncks Corner: 469 N Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Great Clips The Corner at Wescott: 9500 Dorchester Rd., Summerville, SC 29485 Great Clips The Shoppes at Azalea: 214 Azalea Square Blvd., Summerville, SC 29483 Great Clips Point Hope Commons: 1711 Clements Ferry Rd., Charleston, SC 29492 Great Clips West Ashley Circle: 3863 West Ashley Cir., Charleston, SC 29414 Great Clips Belle Hall: 616-B Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Great Clips Market Center Shoppes: 1113 Market Center Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Great Clips Trolley Square: 1545 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, SC 29485 Great Clips James Island Shopping Center: 1739 Maybank Hwy., Charleston, SC 29412 Fundraiser founder, Karen Allen created 'Help Great Clips Cut Out Sarcoma Cancers' in memory of her husband, Roger Allen, who was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma in 2011. 'My husband left behind a great legacy, and annually we get to honor his memory with the help of our community by continuing the fight against Sarcoma Cancers with this fundraiser. Please join us in honoring a remarkable man and furthering local sarcoma research and clinical trials by visiting a Charleston area Great Clips salon to donate – every dollar makes an impact and helps save lives!' said Karen Allen. This is the fundraiser's ninth year, and over that time, with help from the Lowcountry community, Great Clips has donated over $60,000 for Sarcoma cancers. To learn more, visit any of the participating Great Clips locations listed above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coronation Street icon killed off next week in heartbreaking scenes - a whopping 17 years on from soap debut
Coronation Street icon Julie Carp will be killed off next week in heartbreaking scenes. Actress Katy Cavanagh, 51, joined the ITV soap as the factory machinist back in 2008. The star's first stint on the Cobbles was from 2008 to 2015. She later rejoined the cast this year. But now 17 years since her debut, Katy's alter-ego Julie is being killed off next week after a battle with a rare form of cancer Sarcoma. Julie returned to Weatherfield back in February and shared the heartbreaking news of her diagnosis with her family, leaving sister Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) heartbroken. Over the past few months she has been spending time with her loved ones, including Eileen and her nephew Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce). According to The Sun, the scenes include Julie talking to a camera about how important it is to build loving relationships. Eileen is left reeling after her boyfriend George (Tony Maudsley) forgets that he promised to take her and Julie out for the day, she decides to take matters into her own hands. The sisters head off to sit by a lake together and they have a very special time together. But elsewhere George gets his hands on the video that Julie recorded, and it mentions that Eileen should stay clear of him. Things take a sad turn when Julie asks her sister to get them a drink from a nearby cafe. When Eileen returns to her sister, she starts to panic when she finds her lying in silence on her back and sadly fails to find a pulse. Earlier this year Todd accidentally found Julie's medicine that she was taking for her diagnosis. Julie told Todd: 'Sarcoma. That's what the cancer is called. It started in the soft tissue around my stomach.' She continued: 'It's stage four, it's spread to my liver and lungs. 'The chemo can slow it down but it can't cure it.' A devastated Todd asked her how long she had left, to which she said: 'If I'm lucky I'll see this summer.' Speaking about her return to Weatherfield, Katy said: 'It was really lovely to get the call. 'It is something I haven't thought about for many years. 'And I'm very fond of Julie, so it was a good feeling. 'It also felt good to be asked to be part of Eileen's departure story it is perfect to come and have some closure on Julie and Eileen. 'Sue and I go back to my very first job on The Cops so it is a full circle moment. It also attracted me as it was for a short set period of time and I could fit it in with the other things going on in my life.' Sue - who plays Eileen - announced she was leaving the ITV soap last year. Coronation Street isn't the only programme that Katy has appeared in over the years. She has appeared in Holby City, The Bill, Shameless and Blue Murder. Katy is married to Chris Jupe and the pair share three kids.
