"From Foot Pain to Diagnosis: My Unexpected Cancer Journey"
When I first heard the word “malignant”, I didn’t know what it meant. I just remember feeling confused—and then scared—when the doctor said the word “cancer.” That moment changed everything.
At first, it didn’t even seem serious. I had a weird feeling in my left foot. It felt like it was always falling asleep, and there was some pain behind my knee. It was annoying, not painful enough to stop my life. I went to several doctors and physical therapists, but no one could figure it out. Some thought it was a pinched nerve or that I just needed to move more.
It wasn’t until after a spin class, while stretching, that I pressed behind my knee and felt a sharp pain shoot down my leg. That’s when I noticed a lump. I thought it was probably just a cyst, but I scheduled a physical to be safe. The doctor thought it was a benign nerve tumor, but she ordered an MRI to be sure.
Getting that MRI was strange. You lay still in a noisy machine, and the worst part is waiting for the results. When I finally got the report, I saw the word “tumor.” Even though it said “benign,” I still panicked. I left work right away and called my doctor.
I met with a surgeon who was confident it wasn’t serious. He even told me I could just leave the tumor in my leg. I didn’t feel great about it, but I trusted the recommendations. I went through with the surgery to remove the tumor, hoping to move on and get back to my normal life.
After the surgery, I found out the tumor wasn't completely removed. The team still believed it was benign, so we didn’t worry too much. But something inside me felt off. I wasn’t really listening to my gut back then. I leaned too much on what others said.
Then came the day everything changed.
I was working from home when my phone rang. I thought it was just a routine nurse check-in. But it was my doctor. She asked, “Are you sitting down?” And then she told me: it was cancer. Malignant. A rare type of soft tissue cancer. I blacked out. I cried. I felt like I was in a nightmare.
We had to move fast. I started chemotherapy a week later. At first, I thought I could keep working during treatment. I was wrong.
Everyone reacts differently to chemo, but for me, it was tough. I had five rounds (I was supposed to have six, but my body couldn’t handle it). I dealt with nausea, extreme fatigue, dehydration, and bone pain. I spent most days in bed, but I found ways to manage the pain: Epsom salt baths, seaweed soaks, meditation, and working with spiritual healers. I didn’t do traditional therapy, but these wellness practices helped me stay calm and grounded.
After chemo, I had another surgery to remove the rest of the tumor from my tibial nerve, which affects movement and feeling in the leg. The doctors warned me I might lose the ability to move my foot—they called it “drop foot.” I prepared myself mentally. I got braces and wraps and was ready for that possibility.
But when I woke up from surgery, I could move my foot. It felt like a miracle. The tumor had been just low enough that they could remove it without damaging the nerve. I was beyond grateful.
After surgery, I went through 36 rounds of radiation. It was hard, but I kept going. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever run or do yoga again, but today, I can. My life looks different now, and I appreciate every moment so much more.
What I’ve Learned
Listen to your body. You know it better than anyone.
Ask questions. Get second or even third opinions.
Be kind to yourself. Healing takes time—physically and emotionally.
Stay open to different kinds of support. Whether it’s therapy, spiritual guidance, or just quiet time, find what works for you.
Stay hopeful. Even when things feel dark, there is light. Miracles can happen.
Cancer is a hard journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Lean on your care team, your loved ones, and your inner strength. And never stop believing in your body’s power to heal.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
