The astonishing recovery of a senior citizen with a watermelon-sized tumor in his stomach following life-saving surgery.
Derek Cornelius, 71, of West Parley, Dorset, was given months to live after the 22lb tumor was first discovered at Royal Bournemouth Hospital in October of last year.
At the beginning of 2021, his stomach had begun to swell to the point where he resembled a pregnant woman, but his doctor’s blood tests could not detect the malignancy.
A CT scan at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital revealed a sarcoma tumor, and physicians informed him that nothing could be done.
The retired social worker was informed that the tumor was incurable and would continue to spread to his important organs and eventually crush them.
However, a second physician informed him that surgery was doable, albeit the process itself could be fatal.
Last December, doctors entirely removed Mr. Cornelius’s tumor, and he lived despite losing a kidney.
Despite being left with persistent numbness in his right thigh, he is back to jive dancing with his wife of 44 years, Pam.
Mr. Cornelius stated, ‘I do approach my life differently now as a result of my near-death experience.
“When I originally received my diagnosis, there appeared to be no hope at all. None and I had only a few months to live.
Now, every morning I count my blessings and reflect on how fortunate I am.
I hope that those who read my tale will seek a second opinion, as doing so could save more lives.
Early last year, he discovered he was gaining weight amid a period of idleness caused by a running injury.
Not until October, when he received his flu shot, did he discuss his significant weight increase with his primary care physician.
At the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he was scheduled for diagnostics, a CT scan confirmed the tragic news that he had sarcoma cancer.
He stated, “I was informed that the tumor had consumed 90 percent of his stomach and was threatening to spread to his important organs.”
‘Babies born to women weigh approximately seven pounds on average. I was carrying the equivalent of three children.
I was advised that my condition was fatal and that nothing could be done.
‘It was obvious that Pam, my wife, was disturbed, but I attempted to retain a positive attitude and was not overly concerned. We were powerless to intervene.
There are around 100 different forms of sarcomas, and approximately 5,300 people are diagnosed with one each year in the United Kingdom.
A little more than half of those diagnosed with sarcomas (55%) live for at least five years after their diagnosis.
However, hospital consultant Dr. Anthony Skene saw his case and sought a second opinion from specialist surgical oncologist Dirk Strauss at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Dr. Strauss informed Mr. Cornelius that the tumor might be removed, but the operation could be fatal.
When afterward informed about the second opinion, he expressed feeling “elated.”
Mr. Cornelius stated, “All of a sudden there was hope.” When I traveled to London and met with Mr. Strauss, he inquired as to what I desired to be done with the tumor.
I instructed him to cut it out or blow it up with dynamite so long as he removed it from me.
In December, he underwent a three-hour operation; he reported that the numbness in his leg does not hinder his walking, jogging, or dancing.
In addition, he received 70 stitches from the crotch to the chest.
Professor David Nicol, chief of surgery at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, stated, “Sarcomas are one of the rarest types of cancer and are frequently difficult to treat.”
This is because they can affect any portion of the body, can develop to very big sizes, and exhibit a wide range of symptoms and behaviors.
As a specialized cancer center, The Royal Marsden treats a large number of patients, including those with a sarcoma diagnosis, who are sent from all across the United Kingdom, frequently for highly complex surgical treatments.
It is always gratifying to watch patients who have exhausted all other treatment choices recover after a difficult operation.
