Mom with rare cancer found out after failing to cross her legs

By Emma Dunn

A mom was diagnosed with cancer after she spotted a lump when she went to cross her legs.

Kirstie Smyth, 39, noticed a small, pea-sized lump behind her knee one evening while sitting on her sofa in January 2023.

She was initially told it was a raised lymph node but when the lump grew, she visited the doctors again and was told she had sarcoma cancer.

The mom-of-three underwent three major surgeries over the course of 10 weeks - including a wide excision and a skin graft.

She had 30 sessions of radiotherapy and now has chest x-rays every three months to check the sarcoma has not returned.

Kirstie, from Ballymartin, Northern Ireland, said: "I went to cross my legs and felt something unusual.

"I attended [an appointment with] my GP, who initially thought it was a raised lymph node and nothing to be concerned about. But the lump began to grow.

"It was a massive shock, it flipped my whole world upside down."

Kirstie was diagnosed in October 2023 with sarcoma after an appointment at Ulster Hospital.

Her surgeon arranged a series of staging CT scans to check whether the cancer had spread.

Kirstie said: "That was one of the hardest things to process.

"My thoughts immediately went to my children and husband, wondering what was going to happen.

"I was very lucky to have Jill, the sarcoma nurse, with me that day. She held my hand and still does.

"Getting the news that it had not spread felt like winning the lottery."

The intense treatment - involving radiotherapy and her surgeries - did take their toll on Kirstie.

She said: "The biggest impact for me was my mobility. A large portion of the back of my knee was removed, right on the bend, so I woke up in a full leg cast and needed crutches.

"Five weeks later, I underwent further surgery for a wider incision and after that, I required further surgery again to get another skin graft put onto the back of my leg, so in 10 weeks, I had three big surgeries.

"It was very, very tough. I had not realized how dependent I would become. I went from being totally independent to needing help with absolutely everything.

"Because I could not drive, I had to rely on others to get me to the hospital every day for six weeks. It was physically and mentally exhausting."

Kirstie now receives a scan every three months.

She said: “I now attend chest x-rays every three months, because if sarcoma comes back, it often goes to the lungs.

"It is a mental burden, but I remind myself how lucky I am to be so closely monitored.

"They [the staff at Ulster Hospital] were amazing and with me every step of the way.

"People think when you ring the bell, the journey is over, but really, it is only just beginning. The aftermath can be just as tough."

Kirstie has been supported by her husband, Connor, two sons - Ben, 19, and Ollie, 13, - and her daughter, Amber Rose.

Her son, Ben, said: “Mom is my role model in life. She's been through so much and she just keeps going.

"She has been inspirational to all of us and is probably the bravest person I know."

Kirstie is passionate about spreading awareness of sarcoma.

She said: "It is known as the 'forgotten cancer'. Many people I have talked to had never even heard of it.

"It is an aggressive cancer that can often go undetected until it has progressed. Early detection is vital and treatable.

"If you notice a lump, even if it is painless like mine, get it checked. Ask the question. Do not be afraid to push for answers. A lump that is getting bigger should never be ignored."

South Eastern Trust, Sarcoma Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jill Kennedy, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis: "Sarcoma Awareness Month is a chance to raise the profile of this rare cancer and drive home the need for early detection.

"Many patients experience delayed diagnosis, and we are working with GPs and primary care professionals to improve symptom recognition and help patients get diagnosed earlier.

"It is a privilege to support patients like Kirstie through such a difficult time. Our goal is to ensure they and their families feel fully cared for throughout their journey.

"Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the body’s connective tissues. There are two main types, bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.

"Symptoms can include a lump or swelling, unexplained pain, or reduced mobility. As with many cancers, early detection is key."