'I spotted sign while trying to cross my legs - life was flipped upside down'

A mother's life was turned upside down when she discovered a lump behind her knee while crossing her legs, an early indicator of cancer. Kirstie Smyth, 39, found a small pea-sized bump in January 2023 as she relaxed on her couch one evening.

Initially dismissed as a swollen lymph node by her GP, the lump's growth led to further investigation, resulting in a harrowing diagnosis of sarcoma cancer. The mum-of-three from Ballymartin, Northern Ireland, faced the ordeal of three major operations within 10 weeks, including extensive surgical excision and skin grafting, followed by a gruelling schedule of 30 radiotherapy sessions. Regular chest x-rays are now part of her routine to monitor for any recurrence of the disease.

Kirstie, reflecting on the moment she detected the abnormality, recalled: "I went to cross my legs and felt something unusual. I attended [an appointment with] my GP, who initially thought it was a raised lymph node and nothing to be concerned about. But the lump began to grow. It was a massive shock, it flipped my whole world upside down."

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The diagnosis came through in October 2023, following an appointment at Ulster Hospital, where subsequent CT scans were conducted to verify if the cancer had metastasised.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Kirstie as she considered her family's future: "That was one of the hardest things to process. My thoughts immediately went to my children and husband, wondering what was going to happen."

In that moment of vulnerability and fear, the support from a dedicated sarcoma nurse named Jill proved to be invaluable.

Kirstie said: "I was very lucky to have Jill, the sarcoma nurse, with me that day. She held my hand and still does. Getting the news that it had not spread felt like winning the lottery."

The gruelling treatment, which included radiotherapy and multiple surgeries, significantly affected Kirstie’s wellbeing.

She explained: "The biggest impact for me was my mobility. A large portion of the back of my knee was removed, right on the bend, so I woke up in a full leg cast and needed crutches.

"Five weeks later, I underwent further surgery for a wider incision and after that, I required further surgery again to get another skin graft put onto the back of my leg, so in 10 weeks, I had three big surgeries.

"It was very, very tough. I had not realised how dependent I would become. I went from being totally independent to needing help with absolutely everything.

"Because I could not drive, I had to rely on others to get me to the hospital every day for six weeks. It was physically and mentally exhausting."

Now Kirstie endures a scan every three months as part of her follow-up care.

She said: "I now attend chest x-rays every three months, because if sarcoma comes back, it often goes to the lungs. It is a mental burden, but I remind myself how lucky I am to be so closely monitored.

"They [the staff at Ulster Hospital] were amazing and with me every step of the way. People think when you ring the bell, the journey is over, but really, it is only just beginning. The aftermath can be just as tough."

Throughout her ordeal, Kirstie has found solace in the support of her husband Connor, her two sons – Ben, 19, and Ollie, 13 – and her daughter Amber Rose.

Ben said: "Mum is my role model in life. She's been through so much and she just keeps going. She has been inspirational to all of us and is probably the bravest person I know."

Kirstie, who has become passionate about spreading sarcoma awareness, said: "It is known as the 'forgotten cancer'. Many people I have talked to had never even heard of it. It is an aggressive cancer that can often go undetected until it has progressed. Early detection is vital and treatable."

She urged vigilance regarding unexplained lumps: "If you notice a lump, even if it is painless like mine, get it checked. Ask the question. Do not be afraid to push for answers. A lump that is getting bigger should never be ignored."

Jill Kennedy, South Eastern Trust Sarcoma Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: "Sarcoma Awareness Month is a chance to raise the profile of this rare cancer and drive home the need for early detection.

"Many patients experience delayed diagnosis, and we are working with GPs and primary care professionals to improve symptom recognition and help patients get diagnosed earlier.

"It is a privilege to support patients like Kirstie through such a difficult time. Our goal is to ensure they and their families feel fully cared for throughout their journey.

"Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the body's connective tissues. There are two main types, bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.

"Symptoms can include a lump or swelling, unexplained pain, or reduced mobility. As with many cancers, early detection is key."