Victoria’s Story

Chondrosarcoma at the Sternum
Age at Diagnosis: 51
Year of Diagnosis: 2004

Diagnosis: I am a 51 year old nurse who had a growth at the top of my sternum for 2 years. Over that time I asked several doctors who did not know what it was, and said not to worry. At one point, a nurse practitioner ordered a chest x-ray and since nothing showed up on it, she also said not to worry. I have asthma and see a pulmonologist every year so when I came back for the second year and it was still there, he ordered a CT scan. On Dec.14th of 2004 the CT report indicated a 2.7 cm tumor, possible chondrosarcoma and recommended biopsy. He referred me to a surgeon. Read more

Bernadette’s Story

Chondrosarcoma at the Sternum
Age at Diagnosis: 44
Year of Diagnosis: 2002

Diagnosis: In November 2001, whilst visiting an orthopaedic surgeon for one of my children’s sprained ankle, I mentioned to the doctor about painless hard swelling at top of sternum. He sent me for x-ray which diagnosed “probably calcifications, nothing to worry about.” He prescribed anti-inflammatory cream!

At 44 years old, in October 2002 whilst visiting same orthopaedic surgeon, again regarding one of my children, pointed out to him that the swelling seemed to have increased in size and area involved. More x-rays, then he wanted a biopsy. Read more