A woman was diagnosed with an incurable cancer after she discovered a lump on the back of her leg while having a bath.
Geeta Patel, 25, from Wynyard, near Hartlepool, had recently got married and moved into a new home when in September 2020 she made the worrying discovery.
Seeking advice from a doctor, tests were carried out and she was told that suspicious lesions had been found
Geeta told TeesideLive: I was in the bath one night and felt a lump on the back of my leg, it was about the size of a golf ball.”
“I had no idea what it was so I immediately called my doctor. They carried out tests and told me they had found suspicious lesions.
“After further tests I was diagnosed with a rare Sarcoma cancer called Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma.
“Unfortunately after more investigation it was found that it had spread to both parts of my lungs and they could not operate as there were too many to do so.”
Geeta subsequently underwent major surgery on her right leg at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital to remove the lump, with surgeons taking away most of her hamstring muscle.
She then received 30 sessions of intense radiotherapy to the area where the lump was, leaving her unable to walk properly for months.
While receiving treatment at the Freeman, Geeta was told the news that her cancer is incurable.
The diagnosis came in the midst of the global pandemic and left Geeta feeling scared, but thankfully she got incredible support from her husband Ankush, 30.
Geeta is hoping to raise awareness for people to check for lumps and be wary of other warning signs.
She said: “I wanted to raise awareness for things like this as I didn’t even know you could get lumps on your legs, at this age especially.”
“Women get told to check for lumps in breasts and go for regular smear tests but no one tells you about this.
“I had a cough for about a year, but I had no idea you should seek medical advice after having a persistent cough for over three weeks.”
“I’m trying to keep my spirits up, I’m hoping to go on holiday as soon as lockdown is lifted and I want to enjoy life as much as possible now.
“I’m thinking positive, and I’m hoping for a miracle.
“Fingers crossed, maybe I can do it.”