Lincoln Skrypeck: Finding Strength Through the Unknown – OneSurvivor’s Journey with Sarcoma

It all started with what seemed like a simple lump on the wrist—something

easily dismissed as a ganglion cyst. Life was busy, and there was every

reason to believe it was nothing serious. Still, the decision was made to

have it checked out. What followed was a long and uncertain path: scans,

an MRI, a vascular test—each one inconclusive. At one point, it was even

thought the lump might be a blood clot that would go away on its own.

Months passed. The lump didn’t go away—it grew. A request for a biopsy

was made but delayed once again. Meanwhile, life moved forward. A new

job, a new city, and a new chapter with a partner who would soon become

a fiancée.

Finally, a turning point came. A second opinion was sought from a

physician in the new area. This time, something was different. She

reviewed the scans, examined the lump, and immediately referred her

patient to Fred Hutch Cancer Center. There, under the care of Dr. Jesse

Roberts and his dedicated team, the long-awaited answers arrived: a

diagnosis of Spindle Cell Sarcoma in May 2024.

The road since then hasn’t been easy. The first surgery was life-changing

—an amputation of the lower arm just above the wrist. As the first

prosthetic neared completion, another hurdle appeared. A second surgery

was needed to remove more Sarcoma above the elbow. Over the past

year, three surgeries have come and gone. The new prosthetic is nearly

finished, and with it, a new kind of strength has emerged.

But physical healing was only one part of the journey. Emotionally and

spiritually, the diagnosis could have led to despair.

“My faith played an enormous role in keeping me from spiraling into deep

depression through this diagnosis and treatment,” he shares. “I realized I

needed to look somewhere for guidance, reassurance, and hope. I turned

back to God and found so much more—I found a new church, a new

group of caring people, and a newly developed prayer life.”

Today, the journey continues—not just in recovery, but in rediscovery. A

former carpenter has now transitioned into a role as a project manager,

and a survivor continues to build a life, now engaged and looking ahead

with hope.

“I’ve survived cancer before,” he reflects. “I’ve realized it’s hard to make

life plans—but I can get through anything with my faith.”

His message to others walking their own uncertain path:

“If you know something isn’t quite right, don’t stop at the first

opinion. Advocate for yourself. Seek a second opinion. It could

change everything.”