Gen Z individual undergoes shoulder replacement surgery after rare tumor is found

A young Englishwoman’s life took a devastating turn when she discovered a malignant tumor the size of an avocado in her left shoulder joint. Cat Holden, a 23-year-old assistant underwriter from Ingatestone, Essex, initially brushed off the twinging pain in her shoulder while rock climbing during a family vacation in Great Yarmouth. She thought it was just a minor muscle injury and continued with her activities.

However, the pain persisted, and by August, she felt it again while swimming in Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex. Concerned, she visited a doctor who diagnosed her with tendonitis and prescribed rest and ibuprofen. Holden followed the doctor’s advice but noticed that something was seriously wrong while climbing the Sydney bridge and skydiving during a trip to Australia.

Upon returning home in mid-November, Holden found that she couldn’t lift her left shoulder above a right angle and experienced throbbing pain that disrupted her sleep. After multiple visits to doctors and physiotherapists, she underwent exploratory surgery and a biopsy, which revealed a malignant giant cell tumor in her shoulder joint.

The news was devastating for Holden, who was told she would need six to nine months of chemotherapy to treat the tumor. The treatment plan also includes removing her shoulder and replacing it with metal on June 11. This news has sparked concerns about her lifelong mobility and function.

Holden has already started chemotherapy, which has taken a toll on her physical appearance and overall health. She has lost her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, and developed tinnitus, a ringing sound in her ears. The side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea, sickness, diarrhea, fatigue, and mouth sores, have made her feel like she’s been hit by a bus.

Despite the challenges she faces, Holden remains resilient and determined to fight the disease. She has frozen her eggs to preserve her fertility and is undergoing her fifth round of chemotherapy out of 18. While she acknowledges the trauma of her diagnosis and treatment, she is determined to appreciate life more after overcoming this difficult period.

Holden’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As she navigates through this challenging journey, she hopes to inspire others to stay positive and grateful for the gift of life. Her strength and courage in the face of adversity are truly commendable, and her story is a testament to the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.