Tami’s Story

Ewing’s Sarcoma at the Proximal Tibia
Age at Diagnosis: 40
Year of Diagnosis: 2003

Diagnosis: I was misdiagnosed for two years. The doctor said I had gout and treated me with anti-inflammatory meds. Then one of the times that it flared up and the knot stayed there, then I was concerned. I finally went to an orthopaedic doctor and he did x-rays and a MRI and he found something they were very concerned with and sent me to Tulane Hospital in New Orleans to see an orthopaedic oncologist and then found out I had Ewing’s sarcoma at the tibia. Then the rollercoaster ride began. It was so scary, I just knew I wasn’t going to make it through this bad time but my family and friends and mostly my boyfriend helped me and encouraged me through the whole ordeal.

Treatment: I was on a protocol and had 6 rounds of chemo, then I had surgery on my knee, it was replaced with a metal kneecap and some of my tibia was replaced with a cadaver bone. About 6 weeks after surgery, I started my chemo again and had 8 rounds, my last treatment was Nov. 28, 2003 and I’ve been in remission since then. No meds except my anti-depressant. Doing very well.

Recovery: I recovered after my surgery very well, had no physical therapy and just kept chugging along. The only physical issue is not being able to walk a long ways anymore or anything very strenuous.

Life Now: My life is basically back to normal. I’m back at work full time where all my wonderful friends are. I can’t physically do what I could do before but I get by very well. My family was the greatest in all this, especially Bruce, he was there at my lowest when I was sick all the time.

Thoughts and Hints for New Patients: The main thing that I did was keep my good attitude. Attitude is everything, don’t let this get the best of you.