Throughout the ordeal, David stood firmly by her side. Incredibly, just weeks before her amputation, he proposed.
Cheryl credits him with giving her the strength to keep going.
“He provided me motivation and the willpower to continue,” she said.
What is sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a rare cancer that affects the body’s connective tissues — things like muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. It can strike anywhere, but most commonly starts in the arms or legs, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Doctors still don’t fully understand what causes sarcomas, but they tend to appear more in adults, especially those who have undergone radiation or chemotherapy for other cancers. There are several types, including:
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Chondrosarcoma (cartilage cancer)
- Ewing’s sarcoma (originating in the bone marrow)
These cancers can be hard to detect at first, with symptoms that vary based on tumor location. Some common red flags include:
- Persistent swelling that doesn’t go away
- Lumps or deformities in bones or under the skin
- Chronic pain in a specific area
- Muscle weakness or loss of mobility
- Changes in walking or coordination
Don’t ignore the signs
Cheryl’s story is a powerful reminder that when something feels wrong, don’t ignore it. She was lucky. Her life was saved — but only because she finally listened to her instincts (and David).
