My father was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in February 2009 (52 years old). He had a tumor the size of a softball in his upper thigh. A week following his diagnosis, he was started on chemo treatments. The current plan is to continue chemo thru February or March of 2010 (full year). We were told that his particular cancer was extremely aggressive and metastasis was highly likely. In May 2009, he went in for surgery to have to the tumor removed. Following surgery he started back on his chemo and also began radiation. The PET scans still show that the cancer has been fully removed. The reason why the doctors insist that he continue the chemo and radiation is to ensure that the cancer cells are completely dead and this should help to prevent a recurrance. Unfortunately, the surgery to remove the tumor created an additional problem. In the healing process, a fluid filled sack developed in his leg to the point where his leg swelled up like a balloon and made walking painful and nearly impossible. About 6 weeks ago, he stopped radiation and chemo to build his immune system back up to have a second surgery to remove the sack. He had surgery on Friday and is currently in the hospital recovering. Once his body heals, he will be back on chemo and radiation. Extremely hopeful that 2010 will be a better year .. cancer free and treatment free. I'd love to see my dad have his life back.
I'm looking for other adults with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Also looking for other treatment options that seem to have helped, advice or recommendations of any sort, and conditions of those with this cancer. Thank you!!
