Understanding the Battle

Cancer is a group of diseases when abnormal cells grow out of control with the potential to grow and spread to other parts of the body.

It does not discriminate against age, color, or social status when it strikes. 

The term cancer is familiar to most affecting 1 of 10 adults; more than likely someone within our circle of influence will walk through this diseases. Each diagnosis may lead to a specialty team of oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons that analyze the case and determine the best treatment plan possible for the patient.  Based on the type of cancer that is encountered, the process could be quick, or it could last for years.  It is unique to the patient from the diagnosis, treatments, surgery, recovery and the team of doctors.

This is my second round with cancer. In 2005, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and within 48 hours I had surgery. Afterwards I had a month of radiation and monthly monitoring for a year. Walking in remission for 20 years until it struck again in July 2025, this time it has been a different journey.

In early February of 2025 I was having some discomfort in my left glute area, which I felt a hard knot and thought maybe I had strained something. So, I went to the chiropractor to get an adjustment and to see if they could work out what seemed to be strained. As standard protocol I had to get an x-ray and that’s when imaging showed something in the pelvis that didn’t match the other side. We were recommended to follow up with our primary care physician for bloodwork and further image testing. The next few months were filled with booking appointments, going to imaging scans, and then waiting for the results. The anticipation of waiting in the unknown was painful, mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Why can’t they see what is wrong with this image?  What is the difference between a CT and MRI? Why do we need another…then another?  Lord, please help provide medical discernment and wisdom as we wait.

We started with a CT of my lower lumbar. This did not provide the results needed. So, our doctor recommended an MRI with and without contrast of the lumbar. The CT was looking for anything within my bones and the MRI was able to detect any signs of the disease within my soft tissues. Still without the data needed they decided to do a CT of the pelvis with contrast. Getting closer…One more scan… MRI of pelvis….

Waiting for each appointment and then the result in between this seemed like such a long PAUSE. 

As I was waiting, I noticed the mass in my glute felt as if it had increased in size because it had created more discomfort and pressure. While waiting for the results to be reviewed our family summer road trip was upon us. Riding 1800 miles across the United States was a little uncomfortable with what felt like a golf ball in my pocket. The time we had as a family surrounded by God’s masterpiece making memories was what we needed to carry us through this storm that was brewing.   All while trying to enjoy the experience our hearts and minds were unsettled with the unknown.

GOD IS WORKING IN THE WAITING!!!

Even though the waiting seemed like it was VERY LONG Our Father is the master scheduler. He established the plan, the timing, and the medical teams needed to care for us. We got a phone call June 28, 2025, from our primary care physician recommending us to go to an orthopedic oncologist because the mass looks like it could be cancerous. We made an appointment to have a consultation and then quickly we were scheduled for a biopsy the next day. Two weeks passed and we arrived back at the office where we were diagnosed with cancer.

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that involves bone and/or soft tissues such as muscle, connecting tissues, fat, blood vessels. There are many subtypes and variants of sarcomas. I was diagnosed with a soft tissue round cell sarcoma located in my glute muscle and growing around my sciatic nerve.

Emotional shock and fear overwhelmed us, but was presented with such loving kindness and compassion from the team as they allowed us to process the news and then made plans for us to go directly from that appointment to meet a medical oncologist. What a blessing for us the same day to make room for us to come in and get a game plan for treatment. This cancer is rare and aggressive, and we will start in two weeks with chemo.  Oh my, it went from long pauses of waiting to hyperdrive speed. The following days were a blur …PET scan, port installation and chemo on the horizon. Then just a few weeks later I entered chemo treatment where the Lord had placed us to be encouraged and to encourage others. We have had such a kind compassionate team that has linked arms with us and walked along us during this battle.