In June 2023 I noticed a small lump on my left forearm so when I next went to the doctors I asked them to look at it they indicated it may be a fatty lump or ganglion cyst but they would send me for a ultrasound scan this took approximately 5 weeks by which time the lump had grown the ultrasound scan operator did indicate he thought it needed further investigation so the doctors referred me to Manchester royal were I had a mri scan and then a biopsy I then went to Manchester royal to the sarcoma clinic were I was informed that I had a aggressive leiomyosarcoma I meet the surgeon who explained that it needed removing but I would be referred to Christie’s first I then attended Christie’s and was informed of the procedure starting with 28 days radiotherapy then a free month for my arm to recover from radiotherapy then on the 7/32024 I went into Christie’s to have the lump removed with 2 centimetre margin to make sure all the tumour was removed then they would take a flap from my right leg to rebuild my left arm also they would take the nerve from my left lower leg to replace the one removed with the tumor in my left arm I was in Christies for 2&1/2 weeks the main operation took about 9 hours with a initial 4 hour operation prior to the main one I was eventually discharged to recover at home revisiting the dressing clinic each week eventually my wounds healed and I now have limited use in my left hand .

I now return to Christie’s every 3 months for a check up and a chest X-ray as sarcomas can come back in the same spot or they may appear in your lungs

I am so great full to mri Christie’s and everyone involved with my diagnosis investigation radiotherapy and surgery plus my aftercare

This is why I've chosen to take on the Step into Spring 2025 challenge, doing 100 miles in 30 days for Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments & so I can give something back for for the treatment & services I have recivied

Thank you to everyone who has helped me through the last 12/14 months

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. By supporting me, we can help change this.

Your donations go so far in helping the sarcoma community:

💬 £1 could cover the cost of 12 texts to the Sarcoma UK Support Line.

🔬 £10 could be used to buy microscope slides to look at cells in minute detail.

🔎 £30 could cover the cost to process, preserve and stain a tumour sample for future investigation.

💙 £140 could fund the support line for 2 hours.

Thank you for your support.