A woman with a genetic predisposition to cancer and whose family has been tragically affected by rare sarcoma cancers is preparing to run the Brighton Marathon to raise money for sarcoma research and support for patients and their families.
Michelle Watson, 40, from Godalming, Surrey, has the same genetic mutation, TP53, that saw her twin sister die from cancer and her father suffer from an incurable cancer. People with TP53 are predisposed to a variety of cancers, especially breast cancer, leukaemia and sarcoma.
Michelle’s sister Emma, a nurse, died in September last year after being treated for two years for peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. This type of cancer is so rare it accounts for less than half of one percent of all cancer diagnoses (0.02%).
Emma’s tumour developed at the base of her spine and grew into her pelvis. Michelle said: “They operated but unfortunately the cancer spread to her leg further, resulting in a full leg amputation. She had sepsis a few times because of the operations. She recovered and had chemo and radiotherapy, but it didn’t stop the cancer from then spreading to her other hip, shoulder and head. My poor sister underwent countless operations, but it went to her lungs eventually. She was in her prime, was a senior sister and had an amazing job helping others. I saw her suffering, we all did, and her anguish and fear of dying.”
Emma, who died aged 40, was treated at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore and then cared for at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne. A sample of her tissues found she had a genetic mutation called TP53.
Michelle, who has two children, Matilda, seven, and Charlie, four, said: “I miss Emma so much. I used to video call her every day. Our sibling bond was so strong.”
But Emma’s death isn’t the only tragedy to affect Michelle’s family. Michelle said: “My dad, Edward, had prostate cancer five years ago and recovered, but in 2022 he found out he had sarcoma in the liver. He had chemo and radiotherapy, but, again, nothing can be done, and he is trialling a drug to slow the cancer.”
She added: “I wondered if I may have the genetic mutation as Emma, so I paid privately with the Royal Marsden. I have my genes tested, and I do have TP53 and something called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. This now predisposes me to all cancers – breast cancer being the most common. I’m very scared, but I want to prevent myself from having a critical illness and reduce my risks.”
Michelle visits the Royal Marsden Hospital in London every six months for MRI scans.
She says what has happened to her family, and the knowledge she has TP53 has changed her outlook on life. “It has made me want to fight. I’m scared. I’ve seen what Emma went through. Emma’s suffering has really affected me.”
Michelle found out about the work of Sarcoma UK – a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. It is the only cancer charity in the UK focusing on all types of sarcoma.
Michelle has decided to run the Brighton Marathon on 7 April in aid of Sarcoma UK. She has a target of £2,500.
Sarcoma UK’s Director of Communications, Kerry Reeves-Kneip, said: “We admire Michelle’s strength and bravery in wanting to raise awareness of sarcoma and much-needed funds for us despite all she is dealing with. The money she raises will help fund research and provide support to patients and their families.”
You can donate to Michelle at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MichelleLouiseWatson83
