The story of Jeremie
My journey starts in late 2019. At this time, I have been ice skating for 4 years. After a training session, I felt something was not right in my left knee, a dull sensation. The months passed, opposing resistance to medical staff when I was explained this is surely a muscle strain. Covid hit, adding to the stress looking for answers.
It is only 9 months after my first symptoms I receive a phone call during the first Covid lockdown. I am 26, and diagnosed with a Giant Cell Tumor of the Bone. A locally aggressive tumor which affects 1 in 1,000,000 people. Most cases are benign and can be treated via surgery, but I don’t know it yet. Rarer cases can require joint replacement or amputation.
I have never felt submerged by so many emotions and isolated like this before. I first thought it was a bad dream, that the medical staff were fake. I asked myself why did it have to be me. I felt the need to enter patient support groups and I cannot thank them enough for just sharing similar stories. They helped me go through each step, from diagnosis, waiting for surgery to full recovery.
After a couple of procedures, I have been lightened by a golf ball size tumor, compensated by a metal plate addition. I am now back on skates !
If you can recognize yourself in this short story, or if you experience having a rare disease, you are not alone ! Please reach out to others.
If you were just to touched by my story, you can also help, by listening to whoever may feel the need to talk.
#ShowYourStripes