Tammy’s Story

Chondrosarcoma (Grade 3) at the Lungs
Age at Diagnosis: 33
Date of Diagnosis: 2006
Location: Canada

Diagnosis: I first saw my doctor in the fall of 2005 as I was having pain and a tightness feeling in my chest, back pain, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and a few other minor symptoms. It was thought that I had allergies then asthma then walking pneumonia. I was sent for many tests (X-ray, CT scan, etc.) and through those tests found out that I had a tumor in my right lung. It was 10cm in diameter. Initially it was though to be a non-cancerous weird growth of some type.

Treatment: I had the tumor and the 2 lower lobes of my lung removed in May 2006. The pathology was done and the results were that it was a chondrosarcoma and some areas of it were grade 3. I was not treated with chemo or radiation as apparently those treatments don’t help with this type of cancer. I received a bone scan (they were looking for other areas of growth as apparently chondrosarcoma starting in the lung without a past tumor anywhere else is rare). My bone scan showed no other growths. I was told that all I can do is be monitored regularly and hope that there was no regrowth or growths in new areas.

Recovery: I am breathing much better now. I have minor chest pain at times which could be from the fact that my ribs were really stretched (almost to the breaking point) to get the tumor out. Also, the remaining right lung lobe had remained collapsed after my surgery and as far as I know has not ever filled up. I still have some shortness of breath at times but nothing I can’t handle. I have chest X-rays regularly and a regular check up with the surgeon. To date there has been no further tumor growth in my lung area.

Metastasis: I have since had 3 more surgeries. I had a lump removed (Feb 2007) from my upper right leg (which, luckily, turned out to be non-cancerous) and one off my back (left flank) which was another chondrosarcoma (Sept 2007) and another lump taken off the bottom of my right leg (Oct 2007) which was similar to the one on my back so we are thinking it will come back a chondrosarcoma again. All of my chondrosarcomas have been in the soft tissue not on a bone so that is rare I guess. Nobody seems to understand that. There is concern that over the past few months tumors keep popping up out of nowhere. I am going back to the Cancer Center to discuss this issue in November (2007). I have recently had a PET scan (neck to knees) that showed no more growths in those areas right now. My head, arms, and legs had not been PET scanned so I am now waiting for a full body CT scan or MRI appointment.

Thoughts and Hints for Patients: Through all I have been through this past year and a half, I do my best to stay positive. I believe that a positive attitude really helps. On my down days I remind myself that there is always someone worse off that I am. If I have to keep fighting this ongoing battle I will keep on winning as I have many more things I want to accomplish in my life! Luckily for me I have the support of my family and many friends and co-workers to keep me strong.