Janis Ollson

Janis Ollson with her family.

My story is about a 28-year-old mother of one, who was pregnant with number two, living the perfect life with her husband and daughter. And then our lives were thrown upside down when I was diagnosed with a very rare bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. But my story isn't a sad story of loss or defeat. It's one of triumph. A triumph that was achieved by my will and strength, my family's love and devotion, and Mayo Clinic's expertise and care.

I was diagnosed when I was 32 weeks pregnant and suffering unbearable pain. I met with the best specialist in Canada, but even he wasn't sure that his team could perform the extreme treatment I needed to survive. So I was referred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Three months after the tumour was found, I received a phone call I will never forget.

My angel, Dr. Yaszemski from Mayo Clinic, called to say that they had a plan to save my life. By this time I knew chondrosarcoma didn't respond to chemotherapy or radiation and my only chance was to remove the tumour. I also knew the tumour was in my lower spine, pelvis, and surrounding tissue. The good news of surgery came with an insurmountable amount of bad — my left leg would be taken off completely. Half of my pelvis and my lower spine would also be removed. In my remaining leg I would have limited sensation and I wouldn't be able to move my foot again. My remaining pelvis would be grafted to my spine using some of my leg that was removed. The surgery would require more than 28 hours over two different days. My recovery would be intense — I would be on bed rest for a minimum of three months and the graft would take about 18 months to heal. I was told I had a big decision to make. For me there was no decision. I packed up my family and we moved to Rochester.

My surgeries were ground-breaking and performed by a team of nine Mayo Clinic specialists. When I awoke my first question to my husband was, "am I dying?" He said "no" and I knew Mayo Clinic had saved my life and my family. I battled long and hard and was discharged from the hospital while still in a body cast after 48 days. Every day since has only gotten better. I could write forever about the pain, the challenges, the realizations, the hallucinations, the nausea and the sorrow. Instead, I will use my last few words to tell you about my new life.

I walk with a walker or crutches. I drive. Not just my van, but my snowmobile and 4-wheeler. I cook and clean. I change diapers. I feel strong and healthy. I am a wife and a mother. I am independent. I am in love. I am alive!