Support Camille Wahl's Fight Against Relapsed Osteosarcoma
Donation protected
My name is Camille Wahl, I am 21 years old, and I am a passionate psychology student at Boston University, AYA cancer advocate, podcast host, artist, actress, daughter, and sister from Melrose, MA who has been fighting metastatic osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, since the young age of 10. By time my primary tumor was found, it had grew through 3/4 of my right tibia and metastasized to both of my lungs. Within two weeks of bone biopsy, as a 4th grader, I was admitted to the inpatient oncology floor at Boston Children's Hospital to begin a year long, 40 year old regimen of chemotherapy drugs and surgeries.
Unfortunately, the end of my intensive treatment in 2014 did not mark the end of my fight. My disease has relapsed in 2015, twice in 2017, 2020, twice in 2021, 2022, March of 2023, and now, March 2024, as well as potentially May of 2024.
Here's an update on where I am now and why I'm asking for your help:
In March of 2024, a 6 month post chemotherapy scan revealed 2, 7mm nodules in my right lung. The plan was for me to have local control with ablations, work my summer job, and start chemotherapy in the fall while attending BU. After dealing with excruciating suspected endometriosis, I underwent a laparoscopic surgery in hopes of removing all disease. However, my disease was too severe and complex to remove safely, and the surgeon closed mid surgery. I endured severe complications and pain, so terrible that I was rushed to the emergency room 1 week post-op and was admitted for pain control. A few days into my admission, an abdominal CT was required for some concerning symptoms I had. The scan was normal, except for a 2 cm lesion in my left kidney. This finding prompted an ultrasound and MRI, and results were concerning for progression of disease.
Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that typically spreads to the lungs as it has for me recently in March and several times in the past. Kidney lesions are extremely rare, so this report came as a shock.
I will be undergoing a microwave ablation for my 2 new lung tumors on May 14th. On this date, a biopsy of the kidney lesion will also be collected. Results should be had in a few days, and a treatment plan will be formed from there.
It's been eleven years, my disease has become more aggressive. We will soon be talking with Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion. Treatment, including local control like surgery, ablation, or radiation, as well as systemic treatment such as chemotherapy or a clinical trial will be discussed and determined after the biopsy comes in.
Now more than ever, my family and I need support from our community in facing this scary and devastating news. My mother, Colleen, will and has been taking time off of work to take care of me. As a single mother, she is my family's only income. Funds from this fundraiser will go towards gas to and from the hospital, other forms of travel for second opinions, groceries, utilities, medications, and anything we may need. It will also go towards efforts improve my quality of life during this difficult time, and to help me to accomplish my bucket list.
Thank you so much for visiting this page, reading my story, and considering donating to my fight. Together, we are #CamilleStrong, forever and always.
Medical updates can be found on my Instagram: @c4millew4hl
Organizer
Camille Wahl
Organizer
Melrose, MA