Help Natasha Fight Stage 4 Cancer! (gofundme.com)
Natasha Allen never planned to go viral or have more than 146,000 followers on TikTok. In 2020, when she was 23 and first diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer, it was the height of the COVID pandemic. She’d been on TikTok for a few months, but she was more of a watcher than a poster. That changed when she was staying in the hospital to receive chemotherapy. Allen was lonely and bored and started making videos to entertain herself.
TikTok quickly became a source of community.
“When I started with TikTok, I felt like I was the only one, and being able to post and see comments of people saying ‘I went through this, too’ and ‘This happened to me,’ it makes you feel less alone,” Allen tells Yahoo Life.
She now uses her platform to help educate others.
“I like spreading awareness because, one, not everyone knows about the intricacies of cancer because you only see the romanticized version on TV and in movies, and, also, my cancer is rare, so I wanted to raise awareness for sarcomas because it does affect young people the most,” Allen adds. Allen also hopes the videos she posts help people understand what it’s like to be in your 20s and battling a disease that you never expected to have at all, especially so young.
Dear Lord, please give her the courage to keep fighting, you are the healer of the universe and I wish Natasha going forward that the gift of continued quality of life for many many more years to come is in the cards for you. Keep fighting and thanks for sharing your story.
Thinking of you…oh beautiful one!!! My niece had cancer 6 years ago, she literally came back to life from the brink of death. I visited her every weekend for a year. I have to say being part of that experience has made me more emotional. In general, some people’s episodes of their life are just nonsensical! And if you don’t accept this B.S. life challenges might emotionally/spiritually kill you–it is such a tough experience. And I felt emotionally exhausted and I was just a stand-by. Furthermore in my niece’s situation Cancer robbed her of her fertility but at least she is alive, with long, thick afro hair up to mid back length! And I hope every woman of child bearing age, if possible, is always given the choice of freezing healthy eggs. Her Cancer when discovered was too advanced so she was never given the choice. I am ranting now….I really hope you come through! And you lead a good future!
@CCdarling98
Literally everything she said is facts. 
Down from the “for-lifer” friends disappearing on you to you feeling disconnected from your healthy peers and loneliness. 
I hope and pray she reaches full recovery in Jesus name.
@adesuwaajirobaju6857
In the name of Jesus I speak healing into your life, I speak divine healing into your life and command that infirmity to flee from you this instant in the name of Jesus!!! Amen…God’s got you girl you are healed this instant… Amen!!!. God is bigger than that battle Hallelujah 
I hope and pray she reaches full recovery in Jesus name.
Why people turn their back on people with cancer – Search (bing.com)
Cancer is a complex and emotionally charged experience, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. While it’s essential to recognize that not everyone turns their back on cancer patients, there are several reasons why some people may distance themselves or struggle to provide support:
Fear and Helplessness:
People who haven’t faced cancer themselves might feel overwhelmed by the situation. They may not know how to talk about their feelings or offer meaningful support.
Witnessing a loved one’s suffering can evoke feelings of helplessness, leading some individuals to withdraw rather than confront their own fears.
Guilt and Burden:
Cancer patients often feel guilty about the impact their illness has on family and friends. They may distance themselves to reduce this burden.
Conversely, patients who usually focus on helping others may find it challenging to receive help themselves.
Privacy and Emotional Avoidance:
Talking about cancer can be deeply personal and emotionally distressing. Patients may avoid interactions to prevent discussing their private, upsetting situation.
Some patients lack experience in expressing their emotions, especially when it comes to discussing their own feelings.
Protecting Others:
Patients may pull away because they fear upsetting their loved ones. When they talk about their illness, they may end up comforting the listener, which can be uncomfortable.
After treatment, patients might feel pressure to appear better than they actually feel, leading them to protect others from their true emotions.
Role Changes and Overwhelm:
Illness disrupts established family roles. Patients may pull away due to feeling overwhelmed by the care they receive.
Caregivers, even with good intentions, may inadvertently pressure patients, leading to a sense of loss of independence.
Alternative Therapies and Control:
Some patients explore alternative therapies, seeking a sense of control over their bodies. These therapies may not have strong evidence but provide emotional empowerment.
Doctors often caution against alternative methods, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatments.
Remember that each person’s response to cancer is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for why some people turn away. Empathy, open communication, and understanding can help bridge the gap and provide meaningful support during this challenging journey 123. 
Learn more: 1abc.net.au 2roswellpark.org 3cancer.gov
Cancer: The mysterious miracle cases inspiring doctors (bbc.com)
9 synovial sarcoma questions, answered
BY DEVON CARTER
Synovial sarcoma is one of the rarest types of cancer. This type of soft tissue sarcoma can arise almost anywhere in the body, including the joints. Synovial sarcoma most commonly occurs in the extremities, particularly in the thighs, knees, feet and forearms. However, it also can occur in the head, neck and trunk.
We spoke with Dejka M. Araujo, M.D., and sarcoma research intern Michelle G. Yeagley to learn more about diagnosis, treatment options and the latest research on synovial sarcoma.
What are common synovial sarcoma symptoms?
At what point should someone see a doctor?
Most synovial sarcoma patients discover their tumor from a lump, and for some, related pain. It’s important to see a doctor if you find a lump or have persistent, unprovoked pain in a soft tissue, such as the muscle of an extremity or from within your abdomen. Synovial sarcoma may also occur in the lungs, so see your doctor if you notice shortness of breath.
Tell us about the types of synovial sarcoma and the differences between them.
There are two major types: monophasic, which is made up of only spindle cells, and biphasic, which is made up of both spindle cells and epithelial cells. There isn’t a difference in aggression or treatment between the types.
Are certain patients more likely to develop synovial sarcoma than others?
We don’t see a clear pattern, but synovial sarcoma can occur at any age, with a tendency to occur in young adults. We also see it in men slightly more often than women.
How is synovial sarcoma typically diagnosed?
Synovial sarcoma can be found in the soft tissues by an MRI, or in the lungs with an X-ray or CT scan. However, an official diagnosis can only be made by a pathologist after obtaining tissue samples through biopsy or surgery.
What can patients do to prepare for an initial doctor’s visit regarding synovial sarcoma?
Do your research. If possible, see a doctor who specializes in sarcoma and works at a cancer center that has surgeons, radiation oncologists and pathologists who also specialize in sarcoma. The first surgery to remove a synovial sarcoma tumor may determine a patient’s prognosis. If the diagnosis was made after the tumor was removed, make sure the doctors got all the cancer out. If you’re still not confident, get a second opinion.
How is synovial sarcoma typically treated?
At present, surgery is the most effective treatment, but radiation and chemotherapy may extend the time before recurrence and metastasis when used in conjunction with surgery.
Is there a risk for metastasis and if so, where?
Yes, synovial sarcoma often does spread to other parts of the body. The lungs are the most common, and usually the first, site of metastasis for synovial sarcoma. Metastasis to the brain, bone, lymph nodes and local organs are all possibilities.
Can you tell us about new synovial sarcoma clinical trials?
MD Anderson has two clinical trials that synovial sarcoma patients may be eligible for. The first is for HLA-A2+ patients with unresectable, metastatic and recurrent synovial sarcoma expressing NY-ESO-1. Eligible patients are treated with chemotherapy and given T cells genetically engineered to recognize NY-ESO-1. The hope is that these T cells will kill the cancer cells.
Another study, which is open to patients with various types of sarcoma, is trying to determine if we can successfully treat sarcoma by combining checkpoint inhibitors MEDI4736 and tremelimumab.
Is there anything else you want patients to know about synovial sarcoma?
Synovial sarcoma can be inactive for a long time before it grows again to a size that can be detected by a scan. So make sure you continue to get your regular scans and follow-ups with your doctor, even if you’ve had no evidence of disease for many years. That way, if your cancer does return, we can find it as early as possible, when it’s more treatable.
“Make sure you get your regular scans and follow-ups with your doctor, even if you’ve had no evidence of disease for many years.”
Dejka M. Araujo, M.D.
Physician
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Here’s a summary of the “9 Synovial Sarcoma Questions, Answered”
What is synovial sarcoma?
Synovial sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that arises in soft tissues, often near joints. It can occur almost anywhere in the body but is most common in the extremities1.
What are common symptoms?
Symptoms include a lump and possibly pain. If you have persistent pain or find a lump in soft tissue, it’s important to see a doctor1.
What are the types of synovial sarcoma?
There are two major types: monophasic (only spindle cells) and biphasic (spindle cells and epithelial cells). The aggression and treatment are similar for both types1.
Who is more likely to develop it?
Synovial sarcoma can occur at any age but tends to affect young adults. It’s slightly more common in men1.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves MRI for soft tissue or X-ray/CT scan for lungs, but a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy or surgery to obtain tissue samples1.
How to prepare for a doctor’s visit?
Research and consult a doctor specializing in sarcoma. The first surgery’s success is crucial, so ensure all cancer was removed or seek a second opinion1.
What are the treatment options?
Surgery is the primary treatment, but radiation and chemotherapy may help prevent recurrence and metastasis when combined with surgery1.
Is there a risk for metastasis?
Yes, synovial sarcoma often spreads, commonly to the lungs, and can also metastasize to the brain, bone, lymph nodes, and local organs1.
What about new clinical trials?
The article mentions discussing the latest research and clinical trials, which are essential for advancing treatment options1.
For more detailed information, you can visit the MD Anderson Cancer Center’s article on the topic1. If you’re looking for specific details or have more questions, feel free to ask!
Learn more: 1mdanderson.org 2govinfo.gov 3wendywalk.org
Are there any promising treatments on the horizon for Synovial sarcoma?
Yes, there are promising treatments for synovial sarcoma on the horizon. A recent clinical trial has shown potential for an immunotherapy treatment called afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel). This experimental cell therapy has been found to significantly shrink sarcoma tumors in more than one-third of patients1.
Here are some key points about this treatment:
Afami-cel is a type of engineered cell therapy, similar to CAR T cell treatments which is used for certain blood cancers.
In the phase 2 clinical trial, almost 37% of patients saw their tumors shrink after receiving a single dose.
Patients with synovial sarcoma responded to this therapy for an average of 11.6 months.
The most common side effect was low blood counts, and about 71% of patients experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is a common reaction after cell therapies1.
This represents a significant step forward for patients who have largely exhausted other treatment options. For more information on this and other clinical trials, you can consult with a medical professional or research at specialized cancer centers. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
Learn more: 1mskcc.org 2mskcc.org 3my.clevelandclinic.org
4pennmedicine.org 5link.springer.com 6en.wikipedia.org
The treatment with afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel) is currently under review by the FDA, and a decision is expected by August 4, 2024123. This follows the priority review status granted to the biologics license application (BLA) for afami-cel1. If approved, it would become available shortly after this date.
Here’s a brief timeline of the events leading up to the expected decision:
March 28, 2024: Results from an international phase 2 clinical trial published in The Lancet showed a favorable response for afami-cel in patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma4.
February 1, 2024: The FDA accepted the BLA for priority review1.
The priority review designation is granted to treatments that, if approved, would significantly improve the safety or effectiveness of treating, diagnosing, or preventing a serious condition. This accelerated review process is a positive sign for the potential availability of afami-cel.
Keep in mind that the availability will also depend on the outcomes of the FDA’s review process and any additional requirements that may be set by the regulatory body. It’s advisable to stay in touch with medical professionals or follow updates from the FDA for the most current information. If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
Learn more: 1onclive.com 2cancernetwork.com