Lorna Foulkes, 49 from Little Sutton, Cheshire has been receiving treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for synovial sarcoma, a soft tissue sarcoma that usually develops in cells around joints and tendons.
Lorna first started experiencing symptoms in October 2023:
“At first, it just felt like I was having sciatic nerve problems which I didn’t think much of, but in December I found a lump, one of the most common symptoms of sarcoma, at the top of my thigh near my groin.”
With a history of cancer within the family, Lorna went straight to her GP:
“I was formally diagnosed in March 2024, and started receiving treatment within six days of this! I’ve had a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, now I’m just waiting for scan results and will eventually have an operation to ensure all of the sarcoma has been removed.”
Lorna believes a positive mind set has really helped her with facing treatment, and being open with our sarcoma team about how she’s feeling:
“I found that I was trying to be strong for my family and friends, but Clatterbridge was a place I could let my emotions out and the team were always checking in on me to give me a hug and let me know it was okay to cry and chat with them.
“The care I’ve received from Clatterbridge and the team has been phenomenal. I feel like they’re a second family and can’t thank them enough for being there for me throughout.”
This Sarcoma Awareness Month, Lorna is encouraging others to go and speak to their GP if they have any concerns or are experiencing any symptoms:
“I trusted my intuition and knew something wasn’t right as soon as I found the lump. I went to my doctors straight away and I’m so glad I did. They caught my cancer early which meant it was less likely to have spread and treatment could be so much more effective. To anyone who’s worried, please just go and get checked, for your health and your peace of mind.”