September 18, 2024
Episode 22

Sidelined by Sarcoma: A Teen Athlete’s Resolve to Get Back on the Field

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In January of his senior year of high school, Thomas was stretching and noticed a painless bump on his right hamstring. The three-sport athlete thought nothing of it. But by spring, the lump had grown to the size of a baseball. Thomas was immediately directed to Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where Washington University pediatric oncologist Dr. Amy Armstrong confirmed the mass was a sarcoma. Listen as Thomas; his mom, Amelia; and Dr. Armstrong describe the long, intense treatment plan that delayed his plans for college football and the mental grit and community it took to return to the sport he loved. Thomas also shares advice for other young athletes in similar situations.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

For more information on Siteman Cancer Center, go to:
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/childhood-cancers/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/visiting/kids/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/armstong-amy/
https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/sarcoma/

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