Sarcoma Awareness Month July 2022: Welsh student receives life saving care from Liverpool cancer experts
Posted 19th July 2022
M
olly Doyle, now 22 from Colwyn Bay, was just starting her second year of university when she started developing what she describes as ‘flare ups’ of hip pain that turned out to be a rare form of cancer called a Ewing’s sarcoma that was treated by experts at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.
Studying in Liverpool, Molly began to experience pains in her hip that would come and go over a few days before becoming so severe during one episode that she could barely walk.
Molly made an appointment with her GP who could see some swelling and referred her for an X-Ray to understand more.
Molly explained, “On the day of my X-Ray I was in so much pain I almost didn’t go but I was so glad I did as I got the phone call the day after to explain that I had a suspected sarcoma.
“We were still in lockdown so my appointment was over the phone but I didn’t mind as it meant I was at home with all my housemates around me for immediate support.
“Cancer isn’t something that had previously affected my family or friends so it was a definite shock.”
Molly had 13 rounds of chemotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust’s Teenage and Young Adult Unit which she says, “Didn’t feel like going to a hospital at all. All the staff were lovely – it felt like you were going to see friends which, during a daunting time was just amazing. Thank you.”
Following her chemotherapy, Molly underwent Proton Beam Therapy at The Christie in Manchester and surgery to remove the sarcoma in Birmingham. She has now been discharged with follow ups to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned.
Dr Nasim Ali, Consultant in Medical Oncology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said:“Sarcoma is a rare cancer that can be more common in younger people than other cancers and because symptoms can often be vague at first, can often be overlooked – particularly when someone is otherwise young, fit and healthy.
“If you have any symptoms, particularly a pain or swelling that isn’t going away, I would encourage you to see your GP and explain you are worried. As with other cancers, the earlier we find a sarcoma, the more treatment options there are available and the higher the chances are of making a full recovery and living well afterwards.
“We’re really pleased that Molly has gone on to complete her treatment and wish her all the best in her recovery and return to her studies.”
Supporting Sarcoma Awareness Month, the Psychology student went on to say, “You definitely need to talk to someone if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you or seems to change over time. My GP was really supportive and knew I needed to get checked out. If anyone else experiences similar, I would definitely say to seek medical advice – it might be nothing but finding out early could save your life.”
Symptoms of a sarcoma can include:
- bone pain – this may get worse over time and may be worse at night
- a lump or swelling that is growing over time, especially if greater than 5cm, which may or may not be tender
- a swelling in the tummy (abdomen)
- feeling tired all the time
- unintentional weight loss
