“It’s like a big pillow in that place – everyone comforts everyone else.”
As a catcher on the Washington High School and Pitt Community College baseball teams, Austin Cherry was used to pain in his legs.
But on March 8, 2024, he was in so much pain that he had to use his left leg to drive to his apartment after class. He knew something was wrong.
“I barely made it back up to my apartment. My teammate and roommate saw how much pain I was in and told me I needed to skip practice and go straight to the doctor’s office, so I did that,” Austin said.
He’d previously had an X-ray and MRI to rule out ligament damage in his knee but this time around, an additional X-ray and MRI was necessary to capture the area of ongoing pain. His doctors identified a spot on his femur, which turned out to be an eight-inch tumor wrapped around the bone. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer which occurs most frequently in adolescents and young adults. Thankfully, Austin said, the tumor was localized.
He quickly started on three months of chemotherapy at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center before having surgery at another hospital. In about an eight-hour surgery, Austin said 11 inches of his femur was removed and replaced with a donor bone. While it’s left a big scar on his leg, he said, “It looks cool, so I’m fine with it.”
Following the surgery, he took a month off from treatment to recover and is back on another five months of chemotherapy at Maynard Children’s Hospital. He said his experience with the care team has been a blessing.
“It’s been amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people,” Austin said. “The Child Life team is amazing, the doctors, nurses, and everyone working on the care team; it’s unbelievable how much care and attention they show you. All five of my doctors have been perfect and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They make me feel safe and secure and they keep me right-minded.”
He said his team of Drs. Cathleen Cook, Beng Fuh, Andrea Whitfield, Katherine Mercer and Sarah Leonard are people he feels like he’s known his whole life and sees them as an extension of his family. He said the care of the pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy teams have also made a great difference in his journey. He’s also spent time with Sam, Maynard Canine Crew’s dog, who has helped lift his spirits during treatment.
As one of the older patients who visits Maynard Children’s Hospital, Austin said he’s gained perspective on his journey and learned from younger patients and those closer to his age alike.
“There have been two kids who are around my age who I’ve talked to and heard their experiences,” Austin said. “They’ve helped me out, too, like with my port placement. One showed me his port and helped comfort me a little bit. It’s like a big pillow in that place – everyone comforts everyone else.”
He said he’s grateful his tumor was found when it was and encouraged others to listen to their bodies.
“Listen to the pain you’re feeling, don’t be afraid to get yourself checked out,” Austin said. “Definitely monitor any problem you have because it can make a huge difference in the outcome.”
For others going through their own cancer journey, Austin said having a support system has made a lasting impact. With his family, girlfriend, friends, coaches, church family, community, care team and fellow patients at his side, he knows the importance of having others to lean on.
“There’s people around you that are here to support you and there are others who have been in your shoes,” Austin said. “It’s so important to know you’re not alone. It’s helped me out and I know it will help other kids who are going through the same thing. You’re not alone, you can make it through.”
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