At only 25 years of age, Emma thought the headaches and jaw pain she had been experiencing were just regular pains associated with stress or dental problems. However, her persistent symptoms led her down a path that she could have never anticipated: a rare cancer diagnosis. In this article, we’ll explore Emma’s journey to diagnosis, the impact it had on her life, and the lessons she’s taken away from this experience.
Christie Williams, a 26-year-old from Aberfan, has been battling a rare form of cancer for the past 11 months. She is urging others to trust their bodies and not give up if they think something is wrong. Williams had a benign tumor in her neck six years ago which was removed. Doctors told her she was unlikely to have another tumor. However, almost 18 months ago, she experienced severe headaches and jaw pain, indicating the presence of another tumor. Medics found that the tumor had indeed regrown in the same place, but this time it was a rare form of cancer called sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that affect tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures and organs. They often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and there are about 100 subtypes, according to Sarcoma UK.
A group of family and friends have been fundraising for Sarcoma UK, the bone and soft tissue cancer charity, and is set to complete the Welsh Three Peaks challenge on Saturday, April 22. Donations for their cause can be made here.
Christie Williams thought she had a TMJ disorder that causes pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that regulate jaw movement. However, when she lost hearing in her left ear and was in pain 24/7, she sought further medical attention. A scan revealed that it was a recurring schwannoma, and she had to have surgery to remove it again. Unfortunately, the tumor came back as a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma. The main treatments involved surgery to remove any tumor, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy and other medicines to kill cells. Williams had surgery to remove about 80-90% of the tumor. She then had seven weeks of radiotherapy to target what remained. Upcoming results will determine how much of the tumor has been removed.
Christie Williams had to adapt to changes in her body, including weight loss and hair loss. During chemo, she couldn’t eat for about a week after each round, couldn’t enjoy food for six months, and had to live off compact protein drinks during radiotherapy. Christie admits there will come a time in the future when she will need treatment again. If sarcoma is detected early or is a low-grade tumor, and it can be removed during surgery, a cure is usually possible. Larger, high-grade tumors have a greater risk of recurring or spreading. Christie Williams’s message to others is to trust their bodies and not give up if they think something is wrong.
In conclusion, the journey of overcoming rare cancer at such a young age is an incredible feat that deserves recognition and admiration. This story is a reminder that health issues should never be taken lightly, and it is essential to seek medical attention when experiencing unusual symptoms. Remember, it is never too early to prioritize your health and make necessary changes in your lifestyle. As for the brave woman behind this story, we wish her all the best in her continued journey towards recovery and good health.
