Australian Mom-Of-Two Dies From ‘1 In 10 Million’ Rare Cancer At 34

Melinda Kolodynski went to see a doctor to discuss her back pain, which she believed was connected to her menstrual cycle. However, one year later, the 34-year-old was diagnosed with a rare cancer that took her life nine months later.

She left behind her husband and two sons, aged six and three. Following her diagnosis, she shared her sadness about being unable to witness her children’s growth.

Tracey McClure, the mother of Kolodynski, created a GoFundMe page to assist with medical expenses and ensure that Kolodynski was as comfortable as possible during her final days. However, even after Kolodynski’s death, individuals kept contributing to assist the grieving family and provide support for any future financial challenges.

“I Was In The Worst Pain Of My Life”

“Once again, we spend a couple of days with our heads in the pillow, tears streaming down our faces, but it’s time to get up dust off, and soldier on because there is a fight to be had, and I’m not done here,” Kolodynski shared on social media after the cancer spread to her liver. The doctors informed her of her prognosis she “wasn’t willing to accept.”

Tracey McClure, the mother of Kolodynski, created a GoFundMe page to assist with medical expenses and ensure that Kolodynski was as comfortable as possible during her final days. However, even after Kolodynski’s death, individuals kept contributing to assist the grieving family and provide support for any future financial challenges.

What Is Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the blood and lymph vessels lining. It can manifest in any body part, although it commonly affects the skin, liver, spleen, and breast. The rarity of this cancer is evident because only around one person per million is diagnosed with it annually in the United States. When it occurs on the skin, it may initially resemble a bruise that grows and is prone to bleeding.

Pain in the affected region may be present, but no symptoms may be noticeable if the cancer is deeper within the body. Diagnosing angiosarcoma entails utilizing imaging techniques like MRI, CT, or PET scans to locate the tumor and establish its size. Following this, a doctor would conduct a biopsy to determine the specific type of cancer.

Angiosarcoma is a fast-growing cancer requiring intense treatment, frequently involving surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery may eradicate some or all of the tumor, but its feasibility depends on its location.

Radiation therapy may be used with surgery to target the cancerous region and prevent its recurrence. It’s also employed when surgery is not feasible. Chemotherapy is typically required if the tumor has spread to other body parts, often administered alongside radiation therapy.

The outlook for individuals with angiosarcoma hinges on the tumor’s location, the quantity following surgery, and whether it has metastasized throughout the body. As it is typically detected when severe symptoms manifest, cancer has often already spread to other body areas, resulting in a challenging prognosis.

Fortunately, medical professionals and researchers actively pursue new treatments and strategies for angiosarcoma.