Vikki Noone played a lot of sport and then started experiencing pain in her knee, the doctor told her it was a pulled muscle. Four months later, in January 2011, Vikki was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, age 17. Vikki has shared her story with us to help others.
In January 2011, I was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, I was experiencing knee pain since August 2010. The tumour was found at the very top of my femur.
During January and November 2011, my treatment was at The Christie and involved 6 months of intensive chemotherapy, an operation to replace the bone in my leg, 6 weeks of radiotherapy and a further 6 months of maintenance chemotherapy.
After I was diagnosed, I broke my femur and I was unable to walk until my operation as the doctors wanted to carry on with chemotherapy before they did anything. Thankfully, January until May being bed bound paid off because the tumour was 100% dead when it was removed in May.
During the same period between September and November, I started my first year of university full time studying criminology and law. University let me in on merit as I couldn’t get my predicted grades from college whilst I was still on treatment.
My diagnosis completely changed my outlook on life, I was only 17 and all my friends were turning 18 and going out but I couldn’t. I am unable to do certain things with my leg, but I thank my lucky stars every day that I am here. Early diagnosis is absolutely key to survival.
I’ve been clear for 6 years and I am incredibly lucky to still be here now, considering I was having symptoms for 4 months before being diagnosed. The cancer had not spread to anywhere else. I have got friends from the ward who were diagnosed with bone cancer and sadly aren’t here today because it has spread elsewhere before diagnosis.
Going through a diagnosis of bone cancer has given me strength and determination and to appreciate life no matter what. Life is a gift which should not be taken for granted.
I’m now working full time as a Paralegal in a solicitors, and have obtained two degrees and I am currently studying a Masters in Law and the Legal Practice Course during weekends.
My message to others is... Keep smiling, you can do this!
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