Help Reina Lizette Overcome Rare Cancer

Hello, my name is Reina Lizette. I am an aunt, a daughter, a sister, and most recently, a wife. Thank you for taking a moment to read my story. I was recently diagnosed with a rare cancer called Synovial Sarcoma, a type of cancer that is attacking my soft tissue. This cancer can be highly aggressive and spread quickly, attacking other parts of my body like my brain and lungs. Fortunately for me, the cancer has not spread to any vital organs, and it is isolated on my left elbow, as shown in the pictures on my bio. Unfortunately for me, I had to start radiation and have had to see multiple doctors and specialists, which, in turn, has become expensive. I seek donations to cover my medical expenses; any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, and God bless you all.

I will be updating my journey on Instagram @Reinasfight

My Story

These are the events that have led up to my diagnosis as best and simplest I can explain.

December:

I was at the gym doing chest presses when I felt discomfort in my left elbow in early December. I did not think much of it and assumed it was just a sprain. Later that week, a small ball formed in my elbow. Thinking it was normal swelling from a sprain, I did what I usually do: I iced my arm daily. The swelling wouldn't go down, but I felt no pain, so I continued my routine. Later in the month, my now-husband and I watched My All-American. SPOILER ALERT! It is a beautiful true story about how a young man who faces adversity becomes one of the best football players in the country. Towards the movie's end, he felt discomfort in his knee but would ignore it, thinking it was just a pulled muscle. His fiancée begged him to get checked out, and finally, he did. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a very similar cancer that, later on, I would find out I had. He would pass away at a very young age, and it scared me to the point that I made an appointment with Immediate Care on December 20 to provide reassurance that I had nothing serious going on. The Nurse Practitioner believed I had a light tear and would refer me to a Sports Injury Orthopedic. The next available opening to see the doctor was January 10.

January

On January 10, I visited the Sports Injury and Orthopedic Specialist. The specialist believed it was a mass of some sort. I got very anxious upon hearing the news, and he would reassure me that it can be all sorts of different types of masses, that it does not necessarily mean cancer. I felt better once he told me that. I had to schedule an MRI to confirm it was a mass; the next available date was February 12. Since it was considered a non-emergency, I had to wait a while.

February

On February 12, I had my first MRI, and I would receive my results over the phone two weeks later while working at the Midwinter Dental Convention. I was informed that the Sports Orthopedic Specialist could no longer see me because the MRI results confirmed the presence of a mass. I was referred to a cancer orthopedic oncologist at Rush University Medical Center. My first appointment with the new doctor was on February 28. We came up with a plan that I would get another MRI with contrast to see if the mass is on any major arteries. Once everything was done, I would have a surgery procedure to take the mass out. I agreed with this plan and felt confident it was nothing serious. The MRI with contrast was scheduled for March 7, and the surgery to remove the mass was scheduled for April 3.

March

Everything was going to plan, and I got my second MRI with contrast on March 7. I would receive my results on March 18, and it confirmed that the mass was, in fact, on top of an artery. The plan was then changed, where I would need to get a biopsy before the mass could be surgically removed. The biopsy procedure was expedited to March 20. On March 28, I received a devastating call with information that it was, in fact, cancerous. My doctor had yet to know what type of cancer it was, so I was told that I had to wait until the following Wednesday for the cancer team at Rush Hospital to discuss the “Plan” for me. I was told a social worker would contact me to discuss the matter. At first, I was in denial. I felt healthy, still in disbelief that this was happening. After receiving the call, I sat there thinking about how I would tell my family about something I had been hiding for months. I first went straight to Google, which the doctor and nurses told me not to do. It was not a good idea; it made me feel even worse after reading the articles. Some articles stated I had less than 5 years to live, which put me in a depressive state.

April

On April 3, instead of having my surgery to remove the tumor, I had my first appointment with a new oncologist. She wanted me to have a PET-CT Scan. This helps determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of my body. If the tumor is localized, then I would start radiation, but if it has metastasized, then I would have to start chemo.

On April 7, I had my Radiation planning appointment, where I had my Radiation cast made and got my “Radiation Tattoos.” This ensures the machine is placed in the same spot every time, allowing the radiation to target only the affected area.

On April 8, I received my results for the PET-CT Scan, which included both good and bad news. The test was a blessing in disguise. I have always felt healthy, and I am reasonably active, but the results from the PET-CT scan showed I had other issues. The results showed I also had an ovarian teratoma and that both of my kidneys were filled with cysts. I will get a call sometime in May to review the issues with my ovaries and kidneys. As of now, I have 20 radiation appointments scheduled that will hopefully shrink the tumor enough so that it can be removed.

My first radiation was on April 16, and my last one will be on May 20. As of today, I have completed three radiation appointments and have had minor side effects like hair loss and sunburn sensation on my arm.

My story will help someone experiencing something similar get the help they need. Do not delay treatment if you find abnormalities in your body! Thank you, and I send you all my love.