Advances in sarcoma and survivorship care have helped a basketball-loving patient return to the court after treatment. LaQuinta Haynes’ life changed dramatically after a hit-and-run accident led her to a follow-up appointment that ended with an unexpected osteosarcoma diagnosis. “I went to a chiropractor, and he found it. I didn't know how to feel about it, so I sat there for a minute in disbelief,” Haynes says. “Just the word cancer — there’s nothing happy about that word.” Among the countless thoughts that went through Haynes’ mind after the shocking news was the impact her condition would have on a longtime interest that had fallen on her priority list in recent years — basketball. “When I was younger, I played basketball, but I kind of gave it up when I got older,” she says. “Now, all I want to do is play basketball. Before she could dust off her jump shot, though, Haynes worked with the OSUCCC – James’ dedicated sarcoma team to plan a unique treatment course that maximized effectiveness and quality of life. “The chiropractor told me that he knew someone that worked over at The James, and they made me feel comfortable.” Click to learn more about sarcoma, including risks, symptoms and treatment at The Ohio State University. The James’ sarcoma team immediately began working with Haynes to create a unique treatment plan tailored to her condition and needs. “They spoke to me about what the treatment would do and how it would affect my body,” Haynes says. “They told me how long I would be there and how long the treatments would be.” While she underwent treatment for her sarcoma, Haynes was also experiencing the wider-ranging effects of cancer, which presents many challenges that arise after diagnosis that can be difficult for patients to process. “I didn't want to talk to anyone about it,” she says. “I didn't want to think about it, so I just tried to put it in the back of my mind.” To help patients navigate their complex cancer journeys, The James’ multi-disciplinary team includes counselors and survivorship experts who work with each individual to tailor therapeutic approaches designed according to their unique circumstances. “It’s very important because, physically, people can see what's wrong with you, but mentally, no one understands what you're going through,” Haynes says. Click to learn more about cancer support services at the OSUCCC – James. After months of sarcoma treatments, including chemotherapy, Haynes decided the time was right to work more closely with counselors to improve her quality of life. “I did five months of chemo, and it was probably two months after that I went straight into therapy,” she says. “I was a little bit angry about my whole situation, so they were able to make me think about how my life is still going, and to move forward.” For Haynes, moving forward included returning to the basketball court. After doing so, her athletic interests grew to include a collection of sports that double as another kind of survivorship therapy. “I play wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball, amputee soccer, wheelchair football and I do a little bit of rugby with the quad team, and it’s been great,” she says. “All of that came through me working through therapy because you have to have a certain mindset to be able to move forward. It made a difference in who I am now.” Haynes is taking the team mentality necessary in sports to another level in sharing her story with fellow patients and survivors who might be struggling with the effects of their own cancer diagnoses and treatments. “My message to other survivors and cancer patients would be don't stop living, because life isn't over — it's just beginning.” Click to read more cancer patient stories from the OSUCCC – James.