Life with Stage 4 Leiomyosarcoma

Hi. I’m Sarah and I’m starting this page to help my family and I as we try to navigate my current stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

In October of 2021, I was diagnosed with stage 4 (metastatic) leiomyosarcoma- a rare form of smooth muscle cell cancer. Initially, I went to the emergency dept due to a swollen lymph node in my neck- after seeing no signs of infection, the ER doc ordered a ct scan which showed innumerable lung nodules. After many months of seeing different docs, a pet scan showed that I have the lung nodules but also have a pectoral mass, a paraspinal nodule and the primary tumor is located in my right femoral vein. Currently, surgery is not an option. Treatment is palliative. 

I went on short term disability due to needing chemotherapy treatments. During that time (and up until April), my husband and I have been fortunate to have received help from family, church and friends. However, I was recently denied long term disability and am unable to currently return to work due to radiation treatments. I would love to return to work soon but treatments are in Philadelphia and the days are long so right now that isn’t an option.

My husband (Brian) and I have three elementary school aged children (Caius 9, Lennox 8, and Nova 7). We want to keep life as normal as we can for them, which means continuing to keep them involved in activities that they love. If I need treatment over the summer, we will need help with day camp as well. Driving to my sarcoma center in Philadelphia has also been a hard expense especially considering the prices of gas. 

It’s been a rough journey as I was previously making most of the money for our family. I am praying for stability so that I can eventually return to work. However, bills don’t stop for cancer. And 

Any donation would be so gratefully appreciated.

For updates: please find me on the caring bridge website! (Sarah Hoolihan)

Thank you in advance to anyone who finds it in their heart to donate to our family!