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Leiomyosarcoma

Olapeju Ferreira, a native of Nigeria, has been a resident of London, England for more than 25 years. She and her husband, Sola, are parents to three active children - ages 17, 13 and 11. When Olapeju experienced pain in her abdominal area, she went to her doctor. After several rounds of tests, and a biopsy, Olapeju learned she had sarcoma in her uterus, called leiomyosarcoma.

In her early 40s, Olapeju's doctors feared the disease very progressive. She tried several courses of chemotherapy, but the disease recurred. During a surgical procedure, her doctor found 5 masses and decided she was inoperable. Not knowing where to turn, Olapeju was desperate for help. "I was so scared that there was nothing available for me," she said.

A family member suggested she consider coming to the United States.

A family member suggested she consider coming to the United States. Once she found the Fox Chase Cancer Center website, Olapeju noticed a section called "patient success stories." She read about Grace Mullen, who had the same diagnosis. Grace had successful surgery by Dr. James Watson.

"I was going to Fox Chase in Philadelphia and I was going to meet Dr. Watson."

Olapeju made up her mind - "I was going to Fox Chase in Philadelphia and I was going to meet Dr. Watson."

The Ferreira's left their 3 children in the care of their aunt while Olapeju and Sola traveled to Philadelphia, where they settled in for the next month.

When she arrived at Fox Chase, Olapeju met with Dr. Meg von Mehren, an oncologist specializing in sarcomas. She was offered the opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial. "The clinical trial here was half the cost I would have paid in England, so I was tempted to try it," explained Olapeju.

Before making a decision, Olapeju met with the surgeon, Dr. Watson, where she quickly decided that surgery would be the first course of treatment. "We were very nervous. But Dr. Watson made us feel confident," Olapeju recalled. The surgery was a success - Dr. Watson was able to remove all of the cancerous masses.

"I felt so great after the surgery, I went to New York City to celebrate!"

"I felt so great after the surgery, I went to New York City to celebrate!" she said. Before she and her husband could return to London, her medical team saw Olapeju one last time at Fox Chase.

"We are happy for now," shared Olapeju. "I will continue to be watched by my doctors in London. I can go home and enjoy my family again." She is eternally grateful to Dr. Watson for giving her a new lease on life.

Learn more about leiomyosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcoma treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.