Strong Will Helps Soft Tissue Sarcoma Survivor

During 2010, Maria Reyes of Wichita, Kansas, was unusually tired and experiencing pain while walking and sitting. She also felt a lump in her abdomen. She thought she was just overdoing it. But when the lump continued to grow, Maria went to her doctor.

An ultrasound and CT scan showed a large mass in her abdomen. She was referred to a surgeon, who performed a biopsy and sent Maria to a cancer specialist.

Soft tissue sarcoma diagnosis

The cancer specialist in Wichita diagnosed Maria with a type of soft tissue sarcoma called liposarcoma, a rare fatty-tissue tumor found in the arms, legs or abdomen. It typically doesn’t invade other tissue but can send satellite tumors to surrounding areas. Liposarcomas affect less than 1% of the population.

Maria’s cancer specialist didn’t offer much hope. She remembers him saying that she had a very tough cancer that doesn’t usually respond to chemotherapy or radiation. He also said that her tumor was inoperable because of its size and the organs affected.

Rare cancers are often difficult to successfully treat because fewer treatment options are available.

In a desperate attempt, Maria began chemotherapy. After completing half the rounds of chemotherapy prescribed, the mass had doubled in size.

As a last resort, Maria’s primary care doctor researched clinical trials she might be eligible for, but her case did not fit any of the trial criteria. Her hope was dwindling.

Restored hope with liposarcoma surgery

Maria refused to accept that nothing more could be done. She called the American Cancer Society and was referred to a sarcoma surgical oncologist at The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City. The cancer center has team of surgical oncologists who are specially trained and certified in the removal of soft-tissue sarcomas.

Maria was reassured by her surgical oncologist’s confidence. He told her that her type of cancer was, in fact, surgically treatable. And when Maria told him that her faith did not allow her to have blood transfusions, he said he would work with a specialist to manage blood loss during surgery. She would not require a transfusion.

As Maria was wheeled to the operating room, the physician who would be assisting her surgical oncologist assured her she was in good hands. “I view it as a special blessing that in Spanish (Maria’s first language) he said, ‘Vamos a mantener a salvo’ – which means ‘We will keep you safe,’” Maria recalls. “It filled me with peace and gave me hope.”

Special expertise and follow-up

During the 11-hour surgery, surgeon removed a 10-pound liposarcoma and an affected kidney. Because this type of cancer frequently recurs, Maria’s case was followed closely. Over the past 4 years, she has had 3 additional surgeries to remove abdominal liposarcomas.

“When no one else could offer a solution, The University of Kansas Cancer Center did,” Maria says. “The experts there allowed me to meet and enjoy my 10th grandchild, Aaron, who is now 2. La vida es Buena … life is good.”