My story starts back on the 21/06/19, one day before leaving for a 6 week holiday to see the world! I’m a 22 year old female with big hopes and ambitions.
Please help me fight against my rare type of bone cancer!
To give you a summary of everything I’ve been through so far I’ll start at the beginning. On June 21st 2019 I was diagnosed with an aggressive tumour in my right humerus. After this discovery I needed immediate treatment and my plans of seeing the world were put on hold. A few days later still processing what was happening to me, my arm broke through the tumour site. The tumour had taken up 22cm of my humerus and completely rotted it to the point of not being able to heal.
Meeting my Oncologist the plan was 9 months of brutal chemotherapy (6 cycles) with surgery being after the third cycle. Meanwhile my tumour was officially diagnosed as Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, UPS for short, which effects 1-2 people a year in Australia.
Meeting with the surgeons I was told I had a 50/50 chance they would need to amputate my arm in order to save my life. Needless to say, this news was absolutely devastating for a 22 year old right hand dominant female with dreams of athletic competitions and overall fitness, that I was currently working towards.
After starting chemo and going through all the terrible side effects people talk about (nausea, vomiting, high temps, chemo brain) just to name a few. I was constantly in and out of emergency not being able to stomach anything, I lost 10kg in the first 2 months. It’s been a long journey with countless amounts of drugs to get me back to a healthy weight.
Surgery finally rolls round on the 10th of December 2019 after being pushed back for a multitude of different reasons. I am beyond happy to report that my surgery went fantastically and amputation was not necessary! I am now bionic woman, with a complete new Humerus made out of titanium and various metals (watch out airport security!) The surgeon was very happy to report that my tumour was completely killed off from the chemo.
Unfortunately my story doesn’t end here. Just when we thought this nightmare was almost over, with only 2 more cycles left and all the pain I put my body through with chemo and having a broken arm for 7 months, was worth it, we were told the devastating news that my cancer had spread to my pelvis.
Speaking with my Oncologist the plan is to finish the last two cycles and reassess the pelvis with more scans and potentially a biopsy. I won’t know what I’m dealing with until we get to that point. Telling my family this devastating news would be the biggest understatement of the year.
I feel a responsibility to spread awareness of my condition to try and help others catch anything as early as possible. My main symptoms included intermittent muscle soreness and weakness which sometimes woke me from sleep. Then over a short time a lump formed over the tumour site. Everybody needs to find a GP they trust and can go to for anything no matter how small you think it is! There is no shame in taking the absolute best care of your body because you only get the one!
I’m not too proud to admit that financially I am struggling now and really need help. I’ve learnt throughout my cancer journey, there is no shame in asking for help when needed. I’ve made it through this long on my own and I’m very proud, but now my family and I need help to take all my financial burdens off our shoulders.
If you choose to donate, any amount would be gratefully appreciated. The money will be used towards various medical, hospital and living expenses, as well as taking any financial stress off my family.
All I ask is if you please share this post to spread awareness and help me beat this awful disease. Thank you to all, much love Lauren.