A cancer diagnosis can come as a shock to anyone. It was a particular shock to Loretta Mostofi who led a healthy lifestyle as a personal trainer, eating well and exercising regularly. She recalls thinking, "How could I, of all people, end up here?"
Loretta was diagnosed with a rare cancer called liposarcoma just before Christmas 2022. Since then, she has had two surgeries, overcome the emotional challenges of cancer and is now determined to live life on her terms.
Loretta is sharing her story to build a supportive community and help those going through a similar cancer experience.
How Loretta was diagnosed with liposarcoma
Loretta experienced a fast-growing stomach, weight gain, bloating, and pain when lying on her stomach. She put it down to menopause but decided to see her doctor after her sister thought something was not right.
A CT scan revealed that she had liposarcoma - a type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in fat cells. Fewer than 2,300 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in Australia each year, with liposarcoma accounting for a small percentage of these cases.
With liposarcoma being such a rare type of cancer, Loretta did some extra research and found the sarcoma research group at Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney.
Raising awareness of liposarcoma is important to Loretta because symptoms typically don't appear in the early stages, so it is often already advanced when discovered.
Reclaiming strength through exercise
Exercise has always been a key part of Loretta's life. She used to enjoy sculpting her body and competing in figure competitions. Cancer has changed Loretta's perspective on exercise. It has helped her manage her mental and emotional health, and prepare and recover from surgeries.
"The month leading up to my surgery the fear and helplessness were intense, especially at night, but I clung to what I could control. I kept going to the gym, using exercise as a way to prepare my body for the upcoming surgery and its aftermath. Exercise became my lifeline," she recalls.
Even now, almost two years post-surgery, exercise is "about reclaiming strength and preparing for whatever comes next," she says.
Loretta also tries to look after her mental health. "Balancing fear with wellness and resilience is a constant effort. I practice meditation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques to keep a positive mindset," she adds.
Building a community of shared experiences
Loretta's cancer diagnosis initially left her feeling shocked, sad and alone. "I didn't know if I'd need chemo, if I'd ever feel like myself again, or if my life was about to end. I felt like I was already mourning a life I hadn't even finished living," she remembers.
At first, Loretta didn't know how to talk about her cancer. But she started opening up on TikTok and quickly realised the benefits of sharing her story and connecting with others.
"Early on, I began sharing my journey to cope and leave something meaningful behind. I quickly found that sharing wasn't just helping me; it was helping others who were also struggling. This connection transformed everything," she says.
Through TikTok, she was asked by the Liposarcoma Support Network in New Jersey, USA, to contribute to their newsletter and become a mentor in their bi-weekly support groups.
"I just feel now, if I know 10% more than the next person, then I should share it. And I feel in a good place right now," Loretta says. "Cancer doesn't have to be the end of your story".
