Teen Overcomes Rare Bone Cancer with Limb-Salvage Surgery, Rises Stronger
At the tender age of 16, Mia Dorney’s life took an unexpected turn. A passionate sports enthusiast, Mia suffered a seemingly innocent injury while playing football, tearing her calf. Initially, she brushed it off as a minor setback, but her persistent knee pain and the strange sensation of fluid inside her knee raised concerns.
Little did Mia know that her knee pain was a symptom of something far more serious. My knee was aching, and I was sweating. The doctor put it down to puberty and growing pains, Mia recalls. Unbeknownst to her, there was a rare tumor hiding within her knee.
In July 2019, Mia and her family were set to embark on a summer vacation to Spain. However, her persistent knee pain prompted her father to insist on an MRI scan, resulting in an unexpected turn of events. The next morning, Monday, my GP rang and told me to go to A&E at the CUH where a team of doctors were waiting for me. I was diagnosed there and then with osteosarcoma, Mia reveals.
Osteosarcoma is a form of bone cancer that originates from the cells responsible for bone formation. Considering her young age, the news was undeniably daunting for Mia. Nonetheless, she placed her trust in the medical professionals and their plan of action. Mia understood that amputation is often the course of treatment for this type of cancer due to its potential to infiltrate the main blood vessel in the leg. Fortunately, Mia narrowly escaped that outcome. Her surgery, known as limb salvage, involved the removal and reconstruction of half of her femur and knee joint, ultimately leaving her with a metal leg.
Following her surgery, Mia faced a grueling treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy, surgery, and more chemotherapy. It meant missing out on a considerable part of her school life while battling a life-threatening illness. However, Mia’s resilience persevered. I lost my hair. The surgery took place in October 2019. It was an eight-hour operation. My parents came to Dublin with me and stayed in a hotel. I remember taking photos of my leg before the operation. It was the last time I’d see it, Mia reminisces.
Despite the challenges she faced, Mia’s determination allowed her to walk just one day after the operation. Admittedly, her leg was in a cast, confining her mobility. Nevertheless, intensive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy helped Mia regain almost the full range of motion in her leg. She defied expectations, surpassing the predicted 90% bend recovery. In a mere two years, Mia regained full functionality, attributed to her unwavering commitment and the support she received from the medical staff at Cappagh Hospital.
Today, at 21 years old, Mia’s world brims with endless possibilities. Celebrating her remarkable journey, she marked her 21st birthday with a grand celebration at her local pub. Mia’s indomitable spirit led her to pursue higher education, now in her fourth year studying business information systems. Additionally, she works as an intern at Pepsi, relishing the experience.
While Mia diligently avoids strenuous physical activities such as running and team sports due to the absence of synovial fluid, she has adapted her lifestyle to include swimming and gym workouts. Her commitment to maintaining her health and well-being shines through, allowing her to relish newfound experiences such as driving, which she once feared would never be possible.
Regular check-ups at Cappagh Hospital ensure Mia’s continued well-being, and she remains determined to keep her past struggles firmly in the rear-view mirror. Yes, it’s all in the past now, and I came out the other side. That’s all that matters, Mia asserts.
Mia’s journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering resolve to overcome adversity, inspiring others to find hope and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Her story stands as a beacon of courage, reminding us that with trust, fortitude, and the support of the medical community, we can rise stronger from even the darkest of circumstances.
