Note: Evan’s story was shared by his wife, Felicia.
Evan’s Story: My husband Evan and I are parents to two young children, a 1-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. After experiencing some intermittent pain in his left ankle, in December 2015 Evan got an MRI which revealed a mass in his left ankle. Pathology confirmed that it was a high grade leiomyosarcoma. My husband’s doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering recommended a below the knee amputation, which Evan got in February 2016. We hoped that by removing the tumor with such wide margins he would be cancer free. He got his temporary prosthesis in March and went back to work as a radiologist, literally on one leg. Evan assured me that “by this time next year life will be back to normal.” He made it his goal to normalize life again for his family. He learned to walk, and then run, and then he began to train for his first triathlon following his amputation, all while continuing to work full time as a physician and be an amazing husband and father to our two kids. In September, Evan completed a sprint triathlon with his temporary prosthesis and, needless to say, we were all amazed and incredibly proud! In November 2016 we learned that the sarcoma had spread to his lungs. He had lung surgery to remove eight nodules on his right lung, seven of which were metastatic. He has since begun systemic treatment involving the newly approved drug Lartruvo. Evan continues to work full time through treatment and continues to be the rock of this family and the strongest person I know. He is exercising again and we have our sights set on another triathlon next summer. (Another sprint so I can keep up with him.) He is the love of my life and if anyone can beat this monster Evan can!
Words of Wisdom: I wish I had more words of wisdom. Try to be positive, try not to let this get the best of you. Count your blessings.
Role of the Sarcoma Foundation of America: While we are seeing progress, we need even more progress, further advancements, and better understanding of this disease. Awareness, so that it isn’t missed and diagnosed earlier. Treatments to save lives. We need a cure! I am so thankful to this organization that makes it its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families suffering with this rare cancer.
