“We have a dedicated team of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists who all specialize in treating sarcoma,” said Daniel Da Graca, MD, a medical oncologist in Portland, Oregon, who treated Chun. “Every time there is a new diagnosis, we present that case to the team so we can generate a plan together.”
Most often, treatment for sarcoma includes both surgery and chemotherapy, which is sometimes paired with radiation, according to Dr. Da Graca. However, since Chun’s tumor was directly on the pelvis, surgery was not a good option. So, they decided to treat it aggressively with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
Oncology nurse case manager Alison Eshleman, RN, was a key part of Chun’s care team. She stayed in close communication with Chun and his mother helping them keep track of appointments and get scheduled for any necessary tests and scans.
After multiple rounds of treatment over the course of several months, an MRI showed that Chun’s tumor had begun to shrink.
Back to the races
Today, Chun is in his second year of college, and routine scans help him and his doctors keep tabs on his tumor. And he’s back to racing, too. After adding another win to his record in St. Louis earlier this year, he’s now in training mode and gearing up for the next racing season.
Chun’s story is a good reminder of the importance of early intervention. Although sarcoma is very rare, it is often treatable, especially if it’s caught early. For that reason, Dr. Da Graca encourages people to see their doctor if they experience persistent pain or swelling in their bones or joints — particularly their arms, legs, or pelvis — that can’t be explained by an injury.
Learn more about cancer care at Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest.
