My Battle with Myxoid Liposarcoma

Hi -- I'm Dave Novak. I was diagnosed with high-grade Myxoid Liposarcoma (stage 3) on my left thigh in July, 2008 and a metastatic recurrence in my right pelvis area (stage 4) in January, 2019. This blog contains my full story (diagnosis - today) and seeks to educate, inform, and encourage new patients and their families.

NOTE: If you're a new reader, please scroll to the bottom, click the Older Posts link, and start reading from the article dated June 13, 2008.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Seven Years — And Once Again “Stable”

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January 15, 2026 marked seven years since my re-diagnosis. That recurrence came during what was supposed to be my 10-year NED milestone. Ins...
1 comment:
Friday, November 21, 2025

Mission Accomplished (For Now)

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The latest campaign is complete — three precision strikes, delivered over three days (November 12–14), courtesy of the Mayo Clinic’s elite P...
2 comments:
Sunday, November 2, 2025

The Nuclear Option

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When you’re at war with cancer, you use every weapon you’ve got. There’s no room for diplomacy or negotiation — it’s total war from day one....
Friday, October 17, 2025

Confirmed: that spot is not a "shadow"

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On Wednesday of this week (October 15, 2025), I had an ultrasound-guided biopsy performed on that new spot in my liver.  This was originally...
1 comment:
Thursday, October 2, 2025

“Surprise” in September 30 MRI Results

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First off, let me apologize for being so slack with updates.  Honestly, I was waiting for these fall scans before posting anything new. Back...
1 comment:
Sunday, February 9, 2025

Nutrition is Key to Cancer Recovery!

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Before anybody quickly responds to this title with "OK Boomer" or "Thanks Captain Obvious", let me be clear as to what I...
Monday, February 3, 2025

It's only Monday but it feels like FryDave!

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So I started the 1st of 5 treatments of Proton SBRT today and things went well!  I have to admit, however, that I actually got a little nerv...
2 comments:
Tuesday, January 14, 2025

SBRT Proton Radiation "Approved"!

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I'm happy to report that my proton radiation treatment has been "approved" by United Healthcare (UHC) under the following cond...
Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Radiation Recommended Over Surgery

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Just a quick update to let you know how my consultations went at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville this week. Yesterday (December 17) I spoke with Dr...
1 comment:
Tuesday, December 10, 2024

New mass "Positive for malignancy"

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Almost 2 years ago I started proton radiation for my main tumor in my pelvic/sacrum area.  Since that time, that main tumor has shrunk slig...
Tuesday, September 24, 2024

63

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Today is a special day: I just turned 63 today and, coincidentally, also had my 63rd round of chemotherapy at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.  ...
2 comments:
Saturday, January 27, 2024

Scans Remain "Stable"

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 Just had a fresh set of scans yesterday and the results are in: CT Abdomen/Pelvis -- Peritoneal metastatic disease does not appear signifi...
Monday, January 15, 2024

5 Years *NOT* NED

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Although I haven't been the most diligent in updating this blog, I'm delighted to share some positive news: I'm alive, well, and...
2 comments:
Monday, May 29, 2023

College, Covid, and Chemo

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Hello patient followers!  Yes, I've clearly been slacking off with my updates of late, though I do now actually have a number of things ...
1 comment:
Saturday, March 11, 2023

Proton Radiation Update

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As you recall, I completed my Proton radiation back on January 9, 2023.  Fast forward 6 weeks to February 21, I had my first post radiation ...
2 comments:
Sunday, January 15, 2023

Proton Radiation Completed!

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Just a quick update to say that I completed my proton radiation therapy last Monday, January 9, 2023.  So far (and it is early), I have expe...
1 comment:
Sunday, December 18, 2022

Proton Radiation Approved! Treatment Underway!

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Just wanted to give a big "Thank you!" to my readers, supporters, and family for their prayers and steadfast encouragement.  This ...
1 comment:
Sunday, December 4, 2022

A New Treatment Plan

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Hello friends and family -- A lot has happened in the past year since my last post.  For a good chunk of that time, there's really not b...
Saturday, December 3, 2022

eMail Moved to follow.it . . . New Post Coming Soon!!!

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I know it's been a long time (1 year+) since I've last posted, though for some of you (who follow by email), it could have been even...
Sunday, November 21, 2021

Access Denied!

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For many cancer patients, an "access" is an essential part of the treatment plan.  Some chemo types, including Yondelis (the one I...
7 comments:
Sunday, August 1, 2021

First Cancer, then Chemo, now Covid

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Round #33 Having just completed Round #33 of my chemo this previous Friday (July 23), I knew that the weekend was going to be hard.  All wee...
2 comments:
Saturday, June 26, 2021

Chemo Round #32 Complete and All is STILL Well!

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I'm very happy to report that, after having been diagnosed with metastatic (Stage 4) high-grade Myxoid Liposarcoma nearly 2 1/2 years ag...
6 comments:
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