Lee Brain, a 47-year-old school caretaker from Maesteg, experienced an extraordinary fortnight after undergoing major sarcoma surgery, welcoming his first grandchild, and walking his eldest daughter down the aisle. He is now sharing his story to encourage others to seek medical advice for unusual symptoms.
Rapid Diagnosis and Surgery
Lee discovered a small lump on his shoulder that doubled in size within two months. He was diagnosed with sarcoma earlier this year. Surgeons at Morriston Hospital operated quickly to remove the rapidly growing tumour and reconstructed his shoulder using muscle, skin, and fat from his thigh. The surgery lasted six hours.
Despite two large surgical wounds and an upcoming course of radiotherapy and physiotherapy, Lee remained determined to reach two major family milestones just days after surgery. Four days after his operation, his youngest daughter Bethan gave birth to his first grandchild, Cian Lee Joseph Page. A week later, he walked his eldest daughter Cody down the aisle.
Understanding Sarcoma
Sarcoma is an uncommon cancer affecting connective tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, and bone, accounting for fewer than two per cent of all adult cancers. Healthcare professionals at the South Wales Sarcoma Service urge people to seek medical advice if they notice a lump that is painful, growing quickly, feels deep, or is larger than five centimetres.
Consultant plastic, reconstructive and sarcoma surgeon Thomas Bragg said: "Lee had removal of a shoulder sarcoma. It was rapidly growing so we did the operation within a few days. He had a microsurgical reconstruction, taking soft tissue from his thigh and placing it onto his shoulder. This involved suturing blood vessels into his shoulder using a microscope. Because we operated so quickly we hope we have managed to save structures in the shoulder to not only clear the tumour but also maintain function. Next step will be recovery, physiotherapy, and radiotherapy."
Surgeon's Warning
Mr Bragg added: "The message is a very simple one. If you have a lump which is growing rapidly, or is bigger than five centimetres, or feels deep, or is painful, go and see your GP. You might need an ultrasound scan to further characterise it. In maybe two or three per cent of cases it might be sarcoma, in which case you will be referred into our MDT team. For most people, though, it is a benign lump. They are reassured and can get on with life. But the earlier the diagnosis, the better for the patient."
Lee's Determination
Lee commented: "You've got to think positive. You can't just go and sit in the corner and try not to think about it. I had some incentives. I had the operation on June 2 and on June 6, our youngest daughter Bethan and her husband Ben had a little boy, Cian Lee Joseph Page, our first grandchild. Then on June 13, our older daughter Cody married her partner Sean and I was determined to walk her down the aisle. It was a bit of a struggle and I was in a lot of pain, but I did it. So there was a lot happening and if I hadn't had the surgery so quickly I don't think I'd be here now. I'm so grateful to Mr Bragg and all the staff here. They've been amazing. I have felt like I'm in really good hands."
Supporting Awareness
Lee is now supporting Sarcoma Awareness Month and plans to take part in the Rare But Real fundraising walk organised alongside Sarcoma UK charity in Swansea. He credits his wife Emmaleen for pushing him to see his GP and hopes his experience will encourage others not to ignore potential warning signs.
Lee continued: "Get it checked out if you have any concerns. If it hadn't been for Emmaleen telling me to go to the GP, I would have just let it drag on."
