Laura’s Story

Ewing’s Sarcoma at the Scapula
Age at Diagnosis: 21
Year of Diagnosis: 1983

Diagnosis: Almost 1 year before diagnosis, I had pain in my left sholder (scapula). Eventually went to an orthopedic specialist who said it was bursitis. Had 2 cortizone shots. Didn’t go away. I was in my first trimester of pregnancy. Doctors continued to say bursitis. Seven weeks from due date, I went to family doctor asking if there was anyting else I could take for pain besides Tylenol. Well, to make a long story short, I had x-rays and biopsy locally. Doctors said it was cancer but didn’t know what kind. They sent me to Mayo Clinic. (Pregnancy complicated things!). On 2/14/83, I was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma (I was 21 years old). On 2/16/83 my son was born at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Minnesota. He was induced; 4 lbs. 1 oz. Healthy, just needed some fat on him. On 2/17/83, I had scans and bone marrow biopsy. On 2/18/83 I started my first chemo treatment. On 2/21/83, we headed home! This is a short version of a long story!

Treatment: I did not have surgery. The doctors decided to leave me my arm and scapula! Chemo shrunk the tumor enough. I had radiation for 6 weeks. Had chemo for 10 months. I think it was called MAP: Mitomycin C, Adriamycin, and Cisplatnum. This was for the first 3 months. Then the last 7 or 8 months was VCR, CTX, DACT, ADR, DTIC (don’t remember what all of them stand for). The Mayo Clinic was fantastic. I continued follow up for 14 years.

Life Now: I am a survivor! I do have some limited mobility in my left shoulder and arm but I thank God that I am alive. I was diagnosed in August 2005 with breast cancer. This may be a secondary cancer since the tumor was on the left side in an area that was radiated long ago. There is not history of breast cancer in my family. However, I am doing well after surgery and half way done with chemotherapy.

Life is great! 6 1/2 years after my son was born, I had a daughter. My children are now 22 and 16. I have been employed at the same place for 25 years. I am active at work, in my children’s school lives, on local district school board, and church.

Thoughts and Hints for New Patients: Ask questions. Get answers. Have faith in God.