Sarcomas are cancers that arise from the transformation of cells in connective tissues, and they grow in the bones and soft tissues of the body. Although sarcomas are relatively rare, they can affect people of all ages. A sarcoma diagnosis requires navigating medical care, making lifestyle changes, and building a support network. Here are some tips for living with sarcoma:
Seek Treatment
When you receive a sarcoma diagnosis, a key first step is to work with your healthcare team to create a personalized treatment plan. This might involve one or more of the following approaches:
- Surgery: Doctors aim to remove the tumor surgically. For sarcomas in an arm or leg, limb-sparing surgery may be an option to avoid full amputation.
- Radiation therapy: This uses targeted high-energy rays and can be given before or after surgery to help control cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Specific drugs are used to target cancer cells throughout the body. This is often recommended for aggressive sarcomas or those that have spread.
- Targeted medications: Some sarcomas respond well to certain medications.
Following your treatment schedule helps verify its effectiveness. Attending all your appointments enables your care team to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. Discuss any symptoms, side effects, or challenges you’re experiencing with your doctors. This helps them provide practical solutions and guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Manage Lifestyle
Adapting your lifestyle is a practical way to support yourself during and after sarcoma treatment. Keeping a daily journal to track how you feel, energy levels, and changes in appetite or sleep can be useful for sharing with your care team. It may also highlight improvements or patterns over time.
Nutrition influences your strength and recovery. Eating meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides your body with the nutrients it needs to heal. If you notice changes in your appetite or experience nausea during treatment, smaller, frequent meals may work better than three large ones.
Hydration also plays a role in recovery, so keeping water nearby can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Light physical activity, as recommended by your medical team, may be beneficial. Gentle walks, yoga, or stretching are types of movement that often help alleviate fatigue and improve mood. Listen to your body’s cues and rest when you feel tired, as this supports physical and mental well-being.
Get Support
Living with sarcoma can result in a range of emotions and questions. Support groups offer a space to discuss experiences and hear from others who have faced similar challenges. Groups can be found online, such as through cancer organization websites, and in person at hospitals or community centers. Hearing how others manage side effects, talk with care teams, or adjust to changes in daily life could offer support.
Professional counseling or therapy helps you process feelings, anxiety, or uncertainty related to sarcoma. Within your personal network, friends and family often want to help. Providing them with specific ways to assist, such as driving to appointments, running errands, or preparing meals, can make it easier.
Work With a Sarcoma Specialist
Sarcomas are rare and complex, so working with a specialist supports decision-making throughout your journey. They lead a team of diverse professionals, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and therapists. Together, they coordinate your treatments and help you understand new symptoms. Contact a cancer center today to connect with a sarcoma specialist.
