Join Alyssa's Journey to Overcome Cancer

June 2025 I went to the hospital because I began to feel dizzy and out of breath doing normal everyday things. In the hospital they found I was severely anemic and needed a blood transfusion. The hospital then was able to get me in with an obgyn. My obgyn decided to do an endometrial biopsy where he then found what he thought was a polyp 5cm by 3cm attached to my cervix. This was then sent to pathology for testing and then MSKCC in nyc for further testing.

On July 1st I was officially diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer which is typically found in children under 10. Unfortunately this is just the beginning of my journey, I have a pet scan, ultrasound, mri and surgery already scheduled for this month alone.

On July 25th I will have a full hysterectomy with hopes of saving my ovaries in order to not be forced into early menopause as long as my cancer has not spread there. All my further testing will give more answers on if it has spread and what stage it is at. My oncologist plans on bringing in a panel of drs for more input and getting a second opinion from both the cancer center in nyc as well as the one in Boston who both specialize more in sarcomas.

Although a lot of questions are still unanswered at this time my testing, dr appointments, surgery and whatever comes next is adding up even with insurance. My heart breaks for how much my life and my families lives have changed in such a short time.

I am not one to ask for help or want any attention on me but at this point anything can help and would be truly appreciated. Even just sharing this would be so helpful.

-Alyssa