New Mum’s Life Altered by Rare Cancer Diagnosis and Amputation

Jane O’Keeffe, a teacher from Cork, Ireland, faced a life-altering diagnosis just months after the birth of her daughter, Róisín. Initially attributing pain in her hand to the physical demands of motherhood, O’Keeffe’s situation escalated dramatically, leading to the discovery of a rare form of cancer.

In April 2021, O’Keeffe began experiencing discomfort in her hand, which she thought was due to pushing her baby’s buggy. After seeking physiotherapy, she found temporary relief but continued to have intermittent pain. By August of that year, the discomfort persisted, prompting her to consult her general practitioner (GP). Following an MRI scan, a 3.9-centimetre tumor was discovered in her hand.

Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

The diagnosis came as a shock to O’Keeffe, who reported having no visible symptoms aside from mild pain. “It was just unimaginable,” she recalled, noting that her situation escalated quickly once the word “sarcoma” was introduced. In November 2021, she received the official diagnosis of clear cell sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects only about one person per year in Ireland, making it exceptionally rare.

O’Keeffe learned that conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy would not be effective for her condition. Doctors at Cork University Hospital sought a second opinion from a facility in London, where specialists confirmed that amputation was likely the most viable option for treatment. “I kind of knew myself that it was going to be amputation before they told me,” she said, reflecting on the difficult reality she faced.

On December 10, 2021, just days after her daughter turned one, O’Keeffe underwent surgery. “I had the best possible care; the team at Cork University Hospital was amazing,” she stated. Following the procedure, she spent two years cancer-free, adapting to life with one hand while returning to her teaching job.

Continued Challenges and Life with Cancer

In October 2023, however, a follow-up scan revealed new growths, indicating that the cancer had progressed to stage 4 and metastasized to her liver, shoulder, and armpit. “A few weeks ago, we found out there’s more, unfortunately,” O’Keeffe explained. “With these types of cancers, there’s just no predicting where they go.”

Throughout this ongoing battle, O’Keeffe remains focused on spending quality time with her family. “For me, my aim was to get to September when Róisín starts school,” she shared. “I want to make as many memories as possible with her.”

Despite the difficulties of adjusting to life with a disability, O’Keeffe has managed to adapt, driving an automatic car and finding new ways to perform daily tasks. “It’s funny, you really don’t think about it until it’s gone,” she noted, emphasizing the challenges of simple activities such as tying her hair or buttoning her jeans.

The support she has received from Sarcoma Cancer Ireland has been invaluable. “There are so few of us out there that it’s nice to be able to connect with people in a similar situation,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what’s going on in a day for you; there’s always someone to chat to.”

While O’Keeffe navigates the complexities of her diagnosis, she continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and determination to live life fully. “Normal life happens for everyone else, so you just have to keep going,” she concluded, embodying a spirit of perseverance amid adversity.