Liza Haynie was a normal, young, vibrant 22 year old woman in the year 2011. Then, unfortunately, she was given an abnormal diagnosis. Doctors told her that she had synovial sarcoma. This is one of the rarer cancers, and unusual in that when it does occur, it is most often found in young adults rather than the elderly. This cancer, which is also known as malignant synovioma, is a soft tissue sarcoma which most often begins at either the neck, or the joints of the limbs. Initially, it appears to be a painless swelling at or near a joint, though sometimes it can be accompanied by fatigue.
Treatment options are usually a combination of surgery to remove the initial mass, followed by chemotherapy, and then radiation. The prognosis for synovial sarcoma is highly dependent on the size of the primary tumor, whether or not metastasis has taken place, and even the location of the primary tumor.
Liza was treated upon her original diagnosis at Johns Hopkins, where together they successfully put the cancer into remission for three years. However, on Thanksgiving Day, a scan revealed the cancer was not only active, but spreading rapidly. Immediately flying back to Johns Hopkins upon this tragic revelation, her oncologist had informed her that no further conventional treatment options were available due to the extent of the progression of the tumors. Additionally, there was a blockage that would prevent her from doing any experimental therapy. This full of life 25 year old woman had just been given one month to live, and was recommended for hospice care. Her boyfriend, Wyatt Heaton, immediately proposed to her, not informing her family and friends who were flying in to gather for what was supposedly a last party, a fish fry at her aunt's house. To their pleasant surprise, it was a wedding. The time of her life was had. No thinking about the cancer. Just about the moment. The thought of impending death was pushed out by the living of life. The good news, fortunately, did not stop there.
A day after the wedding, Liza had been informed that the blockage that prevented any further treatment had cleared, and she was now eligible for a clinical trial to begin in the spring. She is currently being given chemotherapy in pill form for the purpose of halting tumor growth until the time comes to start this exciting new potential therapy out of Johns Hopkins.
A cancer diagnosis given to someone who has so much life left to live could very understandably be embittering. The positive energy this woman radiates, the appreciation she has shown for the life she has been given, is beyond the call of duty. She deserves all the outstanding support she is getting from her new husband, her parents, family, and friends. The mind and body connection can make a difference. Her focus on living with her disease instead of dying from it, the cheerful spirit of fight, and her determination to make the most of whatever comes serves as a lesson and a model to anyone who ever receives the unfortunate news that they, too, will have to battle a disease such as cancer. The doctors are only part of the team. Friends, family, rally around your loved one. You also, can make a difference.
The Sphere of Health extends best wishes to Liza in her valiant battle and expresses appreciation for the example she is showing the world. May the wind be at her back in this dawn of new hope.
If you are able, you can contribute to her fight by making a donation at http://www.gofundme.com/loveforliza
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