Mary Ann’s Story

Chondrosarcoma at the cervical spine
Age at Diagnosis: 42
Date of Diagnosis: 1999
Location: Michigan
Hospital: St. Luke’s Roosevelt
Team: Dr. Chandranath Sen

Diagnosis: I first saw a doctor for pain in my neck. An MRI revealed a tumor. I only waited two weeks for treatment. It was a time of very high anxiety. I did a lot of reading about having cancer and dealing with a new diagnosis of cancer. I also spoke with cancer survivors to learn from them.

Treatment: My surgeon was not able to remove the tumor in one piece with margins so I went for proton radiation. My tumor came back after 5 years. At that time I sought treatment from someone who had experience with chondrosarcoma. I did not know the diagnosis at the time of my first surgery. I had more surgery (2 years ago). That surgery has left me with some ongoing problems but so far the tumor has not come back.

Recovery: I had my spine fused five levels in the neck. My neck has very limited motion and I have chronic neck pain and nerve damage. However, my life is very active and I feel I am able to cope well with these issues.

Life Now: I work part time and care for my family (I have help with housework but do the laundry and cooking). I walk 2-3 miles at least three times per week. I stay connected to friends. I used to ski and skate. Now I read and knit. My life has changed but I am grateful to still have a life. This has helped me to accept the changes. I am still able to drive. I count my blessings every day.

Thoughts and Hints for Patients: Stay positive. Remember to be grateful for the good things in your life. It is so easy to be sad and depressed but it doesn’t help you in any way. You will need people to help you get through this. Staying positive and grateful will make it easier for others to be around you. Learn everything you can about the disease. Realize that everyone has a different experience and a different course. Try not to compare. Try to accept your situation, make the best of it and get the best medical care you can find.