Walking for Hope with Sarcoma Strong

In 2022, Tina Hogan, now 41 years old of Tivoli, New York, was taking steps to improve her health and fitness when an unusual pain derailed her plans. She had started a new workout program but slowed down when she felt a pain in her leg, thinking it was a pulled muscle. Soon after, she felt an unusual lump on her thigh.

“I immediately panicked,” said Hogan.

Hogan went for an ultrasound and MRI at her nearest hospital in Dutchess County. It was there that one of the nurses recommended she see a specialist in Albany. Hogan was referred to Albany Medical Center’s Director of Orthopedic Oncology, Matthew DiCaprio, MD.

Hogan met with Dr. DiCaprio, had a biopsy, and waited for the results. She said it all happened within a few weeks but waiting for the results felt like forever.

“I was at work when I got the call and I almost passed out,” she said. “My brain was moving faster than my mouth could ask questions.”

Hogan was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma, a form of sarcoma. Liposarcoma is a rare cancer that grows in the cells that store fat in the body, typically in the arms or legs.

For Hogan, the feeling of being diagnosed with cancer was too familiar. Two years prior, her daughter Ava, at the age of 1 and a half years old, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma – a brain tumor. She also was treated at Albany Medical Center, by the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital. Now 5, Ava is cancer free and doing well.

“Processing my diagnosis and my daughter’s diagnosis was similar, but also very different,” said Hogan. “Until I had my appointment with Dr. DiCaprio and he explained what the cancer was, the treatment, and the outcome, I was a mess. I had a lot of time to think. It was hard to function on the day-to-day responsibilities. I was constantly thinking about my daughter, and my husband, and myself. I just wanted the tumor removed so I could move forward.”

Hogan started radiation to shrink the tumor, and in December 2022 she had surgery to remove it. Hogan was thankful she didn’t have to undergo any additional radiation or chemotherapy.

Now, Hogan goes frequently for scans, but she said she’s feeling well and back to everyday life.

“Without the pain in my leg, I no longer have a constant reminder of what I was going through. So, I get to forget about it for a little bit,” she said.

Hogan is thankful for Dr. DiCaprio and his whole team, and she’s thankful she could get quick and comprehensive care close to home. “It’s great there’s a specialist in Albany,” she said. “That’s ultimately the first step in eliminating it from your body, you have the specialized surgeon who knows what he’s looking for.”