Saturday, March 14, 2020

Soft tissue sarcoma

What is soft tissue sarcoma?

Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop from cells in the supporting tissues of the body. This type of cancer is rare. Each year, about 3,300 people in the UK are diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma.

Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in any tissues that support, connect, surround and protect the organs of the body. This includes:

fat
muscle
nerves
fibrous tissues
tendons and ligaments
blood vessels.

Soft tissue sarcomas can develop anywhere in the body. The most common parts of the body for them to develop in are the arms and legs. Nearly half of all soft tissue sarcomas start there.

They can also develop in other areas, such as:

the womb (uterus)
stomach
skin
bowel
the area at the back of the tummy called the retroperitoneum
head and neck area.

Sarcomas that start in the bone are treated differently from soft tissue sarcomas. We have separate information about bone sarcoma (primary bone cancer).

Sometimes it is hard to tell whether a sarcoma has started in soft tissue or bone. Some types of sarcoma, such as Ewing tumours, can start in either the bone or the soft tissue.

Types of soft tissue sarcoma

There are many types of soft tissue sarcoma. They usually grow and develop differently from each other. Each type is named after the type of cell it started from. It is not named after the part of the body where it started to grow.

We have more information about types of soft tissue sarcoma. Your doctor or specialist nurse can tell you more about the type you have.

We also have more detailed information about the following types:

Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma

The symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma depend on the part of the body that is affected. The main symptom is a lump or swelling. For example, a lump in the leg or arm, or other part of the body, that is:

getting bigger
bigger than 5cm (2in) – about the size of a golf ball
painful or tender.

Most soft tissue lumps are not cancer. But if you notice any of these symptoms, get them checked by your GP. We have more information about symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma.

Causes of soft tissue sarcoma

The causes of soft tissue sarcomas are not known. There are certain things that can affect the chances of developing a soft tissue sarcoma. These are called risk factors.

Having risk factors does not mean you will get sarcoma, and people without risk factors can still develop it. We have more information about the risk factors and causes of soft tissue sarcoma.

Soft tissue sarcoma diagnosis

Tests and diagnosis

You may have some of the following tests to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma:

Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound uses soundwaves to make a picture of the inside of the body or limb.
Biopsy
A biopsy means the doctor takes a sample of tissue or cells from the lump (tumour) to check under the microscope for cancer cells.

We have more information about diagnosing soft tissue sarcoma that explains more about these and other tests. Waiting for test results can be a difficult time, we have more information that can help.

Staging and grading

The results of your tests give your cancer specialist information about:

the grade of the cancer – how the cancer cells look under the microscope
the stage of the cancer - its size and whether it has spread from where it started.

We have more information about staging and grading of soft tissue sarcoma. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain how it may help plan your treatment.

Treatment of soft tissue sarcoma

A team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Your treatment may depend on:

your general health
where the sarcoma started in the body
the size of the tumour
the grade of the sarcoma.

Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will explain the different treatments and their side effects. They will also talk to you about things to consider when making treatment decisions.

The following treatments may be used to treat soft tissue sarcoma. Most people need a combination of these treatments.

You may be offered some treatments as part of a clinical trial.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for soft tissue sarcoma. The type of operation depends on where the sarcoma is. If the sarcoma is small and it is possible to remove it completely, surgery may be all you need. Some people need a bigger operation and help to rehabilitate afterwards. For example, if the sarcoma is in a limb. You may have other treatments before or after surgery.
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy

If soft tissue sarcoma comes back

Sometimes, the sarcoma may come back or spread to other parts of the body. The most common area for it to spread to is the lungs. This is called secondary lung cancer. If tests show you have only a small amount of cancer in the lungs it may be possible to have surgery to remove that area of the lung.

If the cancer comes back somewhere else, your doctor will talk to you about your different treatment options. The most common treatment if this happens is chemotherapy.

After soft tissue sarcoma treatment

Most people recover well after treatment for a soft tissue sarcoma. Some people take longer and need extra help. If you had a bigger operation or other treatments recovery takes longer.

Before you go home, the hospital staff will talk to you about your situation. Some people may still need physiotherapy or other support when they go home. This is to make sure you can be as independent as possible.

If you are worried about going home, talk to the hospital staff in advance. They can arrange any help and support you might need.

Follow-up

After your treatment finishes, you will have regular check-ups with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse. They will tell you how often and for how long you will need to have these.

It will depend on the type of treatment you had and the risk of the cancer coming back. We have more information about follow-up after treatment.

You may have regular tests, including chest x-rays, to check for any signs of the cancer coming back.

You can talk to your doctor or nurse about any problems or worries at these check-ups. But if you notice any new symptoms or have any problems between appointments, contact your doctor or nurse for advice.

Coping with body changes

After treatment, your body may not look or feel the same to you. You may have scars from surgery. If you had surgery to a limb there may be changes in how you move. After surgery to the head and neck you may need support from a speech and language therapist.

If you have had an arm or leg removed, the change in your body may be very difficult to accept and adapt to.

Your healthcare team will give you a lot of support. Let them know if you are struggling to cope with body changes.

Feeling like you look different from other people can affect your self-confidence. At first, you may feel shocked and upset. But these feelings usually improve as you adapt and learn how to manage the changes. Each person is different in how long this takes.

We have more information about coping with

your feelings
a change in appearance and body image
changes if they affect your sex life.

Sarcoma UK can also offer support.

Well-being and recovery

Even if you already have a healthy lifestyle, you may choose to make some positive lifestyle changes after treatment.

Making small changes such as eating well and keeping active can improve your health and wellbeing and help your body recover.

Test info

My K appts: Monday RW City 16th, Tues. 17. Staying Mon-Tuesday Hilton Burlingame.

APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION for Cheryl

3:45 PM Monday
March 16^th, 2020

APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION for Cheryl

3:45 PM Monday
March 16^th, 2020

APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION for Cheryl

3:45 PM Monday
March 16^th, 2020

APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION for Cheryl

11:30 AM Tuesday
March 17^th, 2020

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine
1100 Veterans, Nw Hosp 3rd Flr

Map and Directions

Notes

Pls bring photo id & check in 10 min before appt. Wear comfortable clothes.

Please be involved w/tests, etc.

It is weird that before the biopsies only the lumps hurt, now, I get painful twinges. It's like something was ruptured.

Good, or bad, tests, I would love a hug!

I need you involved in every aspect!

Friday, March 13, 2020

Tests

I would really like my test results available to an expert, not just who they may pick from their staff. I just want to understand if it is lipedema and cancer (if there is a correlation, or not, or if it is a misdiagnoses. Could the lumps be holding cancer inside and it doesn't get out of the lumps? But then it would be a specific kind of cancer and they would test the material. I wonder if a genetic test is going to be done? This is driving me crazy. It seemed like Dr. Z was all over the map with whole thing and it seemed to be driving him crazy too. He practically said, (a la Trump) "this is not my responsibility I did what I was supposed to do." Okay, I will buy that 2+2 is no longer 4.

It was lovely to see.

If it is bad, I will need a hug.....from you.

Lonely.

I sure hope your aura watches over me. I need it.

I hope that someone I love would not punish me for a stupid boo boo. That would be sad.

Knowing someone and caring about them is most of the important stuff. Knowing you would do anything, even die for them, is as good as it gets.

I hope I am not just speaking to myself, but maybe so.

I have been without my online account for something like 3 years, or so. Plus the jerk who cut me off did it under a different name. Dr. Kao. He knew nothing about it, so he kept the status quo, and the jerk face woman is gone. While she was at it, she somehow got FaceBook to close down my large page. No matter what I did, I could not get back on. Plus, she would hack into my friend's account and write as them and tell me how much my lovely friend hates me. I am so baffled by people who are cruel. I feel good when I get compliments from people like monks who say I am naturally like them, because of my decision choices. I know it sounds braggy, but I just like to be known as nice, rather than the disgusting people I have had to endure so frequently.
I have been through Hell for a long time, so I am the still person as before, but perhaps more patient and grateful. I try and not mess up with mistakes, but my human side takes control at times🙃. Be well.

I hope you are feeling very well.

Nothing could ever make me hate you, or even mad at you.

Some of the employees there certainly show misplaced loyalty. It just shows me the intensity of the insanity that surrounds you. The right attorney could sue for millions for you. You have been horribly abused and because I tried to rescue, I have been attacked too. I just wonder how far they would go? Maybe induce a stroke?

Preparing for Death~

Leave me a note
on my grave
tell me the words
They
enslaved

Play me a dirge
of a love
on the verge
that was
silenced by
powers
depraved

A heart is a
virtuous
thing
That beats out
true
love
we could sing

We'd dance
and extol
on a wave's
mighty roll
and divine
only beauty
to cling

I suffered
for you
from evening
thru
dew
with a heart
that was broken
from
pain

I'd rather stay there
with you giving care
but those left in
charge
are
I
N
S
A
N
E
!

(Good Luck!)

~Haviva

(c) HVM 2020

No one has been truthful from day one and now they are messing with a person's health. I don't know how anyone could blame me for not trusting what they say. They treat good people like garbage and crazy people like Gods. Bizarre.

As long as that goes on, no good will ever come out of that place. Human beings are nothing but commodities.

I need to find places for another opinion and pray you are okay in the asylum.
Love, always to you.

This makes me smile. It is so you. I loved the way you looked at me.

Your Life as a Poem~

I know you have poetry in you.
Everything about you writes a verse.
You have poetry in the look on your face
your every movement a fluid dance of grace.
You are in no way mundane
Your sweet empathy for those suffering pain
The acceptance you have
of the embarrassments
we hide
You could see the pure pearl buried
inside
You took my rough, unsightly shell
and made me shine
Your eyes made me feel lovely, actually pretty
I'd never had that
You listened, and you listened. And actually heard,
and you responded, leaving my dignity intact.
You remembered every word, the smallest fact,
even ones I had forgotten
You made me feel like I mattered.
You wrote me a poem
each time you smiled at me.

Thank you forever.

~Haviva (Cheryl)

Honor~
You are the blessing of my eye
The twinkle that meets a new
morning sky
The happiness I crave
'til I die

You take the breath that sways
the moss from its arbor home
That lulls enchanted moments
erupting near the beauty of
gloam

Waves that revive the newness
of the shore
A view of your face
I will always adore
Plant a dream in my heart
and a world to
explore.

My most kindly and ardent
a friend
I would please you and
love you
No end.

Tho times have been
cruel
and played me the
fool
Your honor I'll
I'll always defend.

~Haviva

(c) HVM 2020

Thank you for all you have done for me. I could never repay you enough. My love will always keep you wrapped in its warm and welcoming arms.

I enjoy thinking about you.

I cannot imagine that you are the type to punish people who make a stupid small mistake. I have forgiven so many people who have done much worse and far less innocent. I am sad and lonely for someone I love.

I don't know if I am actually sick, or what, but my enthusiasm for anything has taken a downturn. I trust very, very few people. I am just lethargic. It is amazing that people can be so cruel and greedy, that the thought of people dying from their behavior seems not to concern them.

It is hard to believe that I have lasted this long. There has been such cruelty in this entire thing.

I should know that doing something on impulse is never a good thing. Never again.

Please stay safe.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

I would never ruin a chance at friendship, but I wish I could get advice. I really think there is something fishy going on. I am looking for a second opinion. People are acting so strange and the vascular breast care woman (not Janet), refused to call me back after I left a message saying I was feeling sad, nervous, etc, but she never called back.

I want to be well, and get in shape so I can take care of you. This is your home too.

This is a good place to ride out the virus. I think this is Jack Kerouac's b'day, someone else's and my made up day. Saturday is actually mine. I just don't put my real one on FB, etc. "Someone" got my large FB page turned off to me. MP, that is. she was an awful human being. I hope she and the others get hit hard by Karma.

I love you.

I know they made things confusing, but MP came here upon request and I know who knew her, so.....

You have always done what you could to keep me safe and looked after. I don't think you will stop now. Don't let them run your life. I would show you freedom, happiness, support, protection and love for ever more. Your partner there needs to understand that she is actually a criminal. I am not. What was done to me carries a 20 year prison sentence, and she has the gall to have people - doctor's smear me. That is crazy and narcissistic! She needs to grow up and understand that another person's life is not her's to screw over! It is also not the business of the place where you work! People do not always stay together forever! If you are bullied, get away and go to the police station! They are very nice there. I back you no matter what and love you no matter what.

You know I will never blame you for anything, I will be here for you (or somewhere) until I die (and even after) and my heart will only have you in it as loved outside of my family.
Anyway, no matter what, you need to be away from the cruel, controlling people.
I love you and always will.

Why are there such self-centered, cruel people?

I wish I could speak with you. I am kind of having a difficult time. Be well.

I don't know what to do.

I am so sad I can barely move.

I have tried to stay upbeat for so long, but when that Dr. Moon said she thought I had emotional problems, I thought, "wow, I have worked so hard to stay happy, and I am always nice to people and yet people like that just dump on you and you try and suffer in silence, but where does it get me? Cruel people screaming in my face and other cruel people who think it is normal to hire people to treat me terribly to break me down enough so I want to die!" I always worry about others, but I feel like not a soul cares what happens to me. I am tired. I never asked for anything. I just wanted to see his smile and hear his laugh. All I get is cruelty and lies. I have had to live in disgrace, for five years. Does that seem right to anyone? You told the truth and they put me in jail. They beat me down and I battled on. I guess the cruel remarks of Dr. Moon just made me feel so sad and belittled. I am tired and I hate my life. You made it beautiful and I will always appreciate it. I just can't take it any longer. I had no idea that love could be so intense, but it also hurts intensely too. Goodbye I guess, lovely one.

Insane rules matter more than people.

I am tired of bad people coming out on top. If I have to die to tell the world how the bad people hurt me, then fine.

I am just going to let the cancer kill me. I cannot take the abuse any longer. I just hate life. I took it for 5 years being treated like crap by a cruel , lying attorney, then people at Kaiser treat me so badly, I am not going to let them mutilate me. My doctor refuted the R.O. in court. I went to jail! I took it like a champ, but now the champ is worn down. I am tired.

I cancelled everything. I have had it with the cruelty, the torment, the abuse people treating me badly and saying cruel things. I don't believe I will ever see you again. I guess I have cracked. Thanks for being lovely.

I won't do anything. I know it sounds dramatic, but for five years I lived to see you again. If I am not, then I don't care.

Look, there is a counter on the site. I just guessed. I thought I was being funny. I miss you so much. Now, nothing. I blew it again. I will stay alone on my birthday. Who cares? I dreamed about holding your hand, but that is not going to happen. I worried and prayed so much about and for you, figuring out ways to keep you safe, it was a part of me.

You don't have to be anyone to me. I love you so much, but if people act like I am a monster, then I guess you are better off without me as a friend.

I am not the monster. I am not hurting people and trying to get them to kill themselves, or make a medical screw-up so someone dies. THEY are monsters!

I want to see your sweet face again.

I guess they hate me because I didn't like people treating you like shit and would do anything for you. Oh, I am sure they don't know that, just the lies by the two (3) criminals. That place is a snake pit, beneath you.

I suffer, get to stay in the dark, worried each day, had people scream at me, put into jail, but I am the bad guy. I am sorry, what did I do that was wrong? Oh yeah, I was nice. They are your keepers. I guess I should drop dead to make everyone happy.

Guess I just won't have anything done at all. No one cares anyway.

I called and left a message for or the vascular breast coordinator (?) and said I was nervous and I needed to speak with someone and I never got a call back. Guess she isn't a member of my "fan club". Oh well, guess people cannot keep a professional attitude....some people enjoy lies....I do not know the players without a playbill. I wondered about her attitude toward me. That is why I need to stay away. I guess I will. I feel bad enough.

I guess I will see you when I see you.... someday. My heart does not sound that casual, but what else can I do?

Just know I will always love you.

I guess I will go to Santa Rosa, if available.

If you saw my wishful thinking, that is all it was. I need you and am worried about you. Maybe I will never see you again. I cannot go there. Sure will be a crappy b'day, huh?

I need you.

It is crappy feeling that I cannot go to take care of my health. Because I cannot trust the workers.

I want to see you and my wish would just be for you to stay away from everyone and be safe. I don't know what is happing in your life, but I wish I did. I wish I could have the right to say I wish you were here. I wish I didn't always have to be in the dark. It is a terrible time. If I knew I were going to see you, nothing could stop me, even walking barefoot all the way there. If I go there for the first 11:15 appt, I would need to leave the night before and sit all night and wait. I don't want to to that. I wish they would have someone call me. I need to know if I would be up a creek if I don't go because of cancer. I am a bit congested, but I go nowhere. My right breast is hurting, but they also poked the shit out of it, so I expect it. I will see if I can get the tests done in Santa Rosa. Please just stay safe. Ask the authorities to end this thing. We have both been through so terribly much. I wish I knew how and what you are doing. I don't want to lose you. Take care of yourself and those you love. I wish I were one of them. My heart breaks each day that goes by. I have loved you for a long time, but all I can do is dream about you. Sending my love to you. Sorry.

I wish people would talk.

I am still trying to decide what to do. I hope you stay safe. Always welcome here. Not in good shape with all the stuff here, but we can make do. I wish we could end restrictions. This is absurd.

I am listening to Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major and thinking about "Out of Africa" and thinking of you. It is sad that "they" took the gift giving aspect of my personality and made it ugly. Some people just like to destroy the beauty in life.

Talk to me. I need to hear from you only.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Cancer information and support

Soft tissue sarcoma

On this page

What is soft tissue sarcoma?

Types of soft tissue sarcoma

Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma

Causes of soft tissue sarcoma