When Gold Coast mechanic Cain Perry, 29, came home one day with a sore right thigh, he and his fiancée Lucy assumed it was just a pulled muscle from his physically demanding job. Little did they know, this seemingly minor injury would lead to a life-altering discovery that would test their strength and resilience in ways they never imagined.

Initially, the pain subsided, and life went on as usual for the couple. But three months later, a visibly swollen thigh prompted Lucy to urge Cain to seek medical attention. After a series of tests, including an ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan, Cain's condition took a dramatic turn. He woke up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain, with his thigh hot to the touch.

Despite the alarming symptoms, initial blood tests at Gold Coast University Hospital showed nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn't until doctors reviewed the scans from Cain's previous tests that they discovered a soft tissue mass and a bone lesion in his thigh. Cain was referred to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane for a biopsy, which revealed a shocking diagnosis: Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS), an ultra-rare cancer affecting only one in 10 million people.

Cain Perry (left) initially thought that he was just experiencing muscle pain. Image Credit: GoFundMe/Lucy Riley

ASPS is a slow-growing cancer, and while it allows for a longer life expectancy with life-prolonging medications, the news of its spread to Cain's lungs left the couple in overwhelming shock. Lucy, who had been Cain's partner for a decade since their photography school days, broke down in tears upon hearing the news.

The rarity of ASPS means that standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are often ineffective. However, some patients have found success with immunotherapy drugs. Unfortunately, due to the uncommon nature of the disease, these treatments are not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia. The cost of the medication the couple is considering is estimated at a staggering $70,000.

To help with the financial burden, Lucy's sister set up a GoFundMe page for Cain's treatment. Despite the diagnosis, Cain has remained strong and continues to work to support the couple financially. 'One of the main reasons he is having to continue to work throughout this is because we can't survive on a single income, so he is working as much as he can while he is still able to,' Lucy explained.

Cain's stoicism in the face of stage 4 cancer is a testament to his character, which Lucy describes as 'extremely decent, kind, and strong-minded.' His loyalty and willingness to help others have always been evident to those close to him.

As they await more information on when Cain can start immunotherapy, Lucy and Cain are taking things day by day. Lucy has put her honours in psychology on hold to be with Cain during this challenging time. She's also become an advocate for health awareness, urging others to seek medical advice if they notice any unusual lumps or swelling.

The couple's story is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of being vigilant about our health. It also highlights the financial challenges that come with rare medical conditions and the need for community support in times of crisis.

To support Cain's journey and contribute to his treatment, you can visit their GoFundMe page.

Key Takeaways

• Cain Perry, a 29-year-old mechanic from Gold Coast, thought he had a pulled muscle which turned out to be Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer affecting one in 10 million people.
• Despite the absence of pain initially, a swollen thigh led to the discovery of a soft tissue mass and a bone lesion through medical scans.
• Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are ineffective for ASPS, but some success has been seen with immunotherapy drugs, which are costly and not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
• Lucy, Cain’s fiancée, and her sister started a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of his treatment, while Lucy urges Australians to pay attention to their health and seek advice for any unusual lumps or swellings.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you or someone you know faced a similar unexpected health challenge? How did you navigate the healthcare system and the associated costs? Share your stories and advice in the comments below, as your insights could be invaluable to others in our community facing their own health battles.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

The poor bugger.