Jackie Garcia, a 30-year-old woman from Houston, never imagined that her persistent health struggles would turn out to be cancer. Her journey began with what seemed like unexplained weight gain. Within a single year, she gained nearly 100 pounds, despite her efforts to stay active and eat mindfully. She also developed severe abdominal pain, bloating, shortness of breath, backpain and fatigue so overwhelming that everyday tasks became difficult.
When Garcia sought medical help, she faced repeated dismissal. Her family physician told her to walk more, eat almonds as a healthy snack, or try medications like Metformin, a drug commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
She used the medications without any results. Instead, her health deteriorated further, and she felt her body was “shutting down.”
She changed doctors and was again advised to lose weight and try Ozempic, the new weight loss drug to get better results. Even after using the drug for few months, she didn't receive any results.
She assumed the symptoms could be from PCOS and consulted gynecologist who recommended to get an ultrasound to look at the ovaries. But the imaging couldn't locate the ovaries. Fed up, she consulted a doctor at her work facility who finally ordered a CT-scan which revealed a shocking discovery: a massive retroperitoneal tumor weighing 20 pounds (about 9 kg). This growth was later confirmed as retroperitoneal liposarcoma, a rare type of soft tissue cancer that develops in the fat cells deep in the abdomen. The tumor had been pressing against her organs, winding around her colon, pushing up stomach and liver, explaining her pain, weight gain, and breathing issues.
In December 2023, surgeons at MD Anderson Cancer Center performed a complex procedure to remove the tumor. The operation brought immediate physical relief, though recovery was slow and emotionally taxing. Garcia later shared that she felt “reborn” after surgery, regaining the ability to move more freely and breathe without discomfort. Her recovery is slow since she had major surgery through her abdominal muscles and have restrictions to exercise due to the fear of developing a hernia.
Beyond treatment, Garcia continues to undergo follow-up care to monitor for recurrence, since liposarcoma can return even after surgery.
Her case highlights the difficulty patients sometimes face in being taken seriously when symptoms don’t align neatly with common medical explanations. Garcia’s persistence not only saved her life but also shed light on the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation when patients present with unusual or worsening symptoms. Her recovery is
Today, Garcia uses her story to raise awareness about rare cancers and patient advocacy. She urges others to trust their instincts and seek second opinions if medical concerns are not adequately addressed.
(Rh/Eth/TL)