The Power of Positive Medicine: Joseph’s Story

When Joseph Matthews first noticed a small bump on his right leg, he never imagined it would escalate into a battle with Ewing sarcoma. As the mass grew to the size of a baseball, the physical toll became overwhelming; the area was severely inflamed, his nerves felt shattered, and simple tasks like putting on shoes or walking became nearly impossible. The journey to a diagnosis was fraught with tension and uncertainty. After being told by other doctors that it was merely cellulitis or an infection, Joseph endured two biopsies. He vividly remembers the second procedure, where eight to ten samples were taken while his mother held his hand. At that moment, he felt “shaky and cold and unsure of the whole thing,” terrified of what the results would reveal.

The diagnosis at the end of 2024 began a grueling chapter of treatment that Joseph describes as the hardest experience of his life. He navigated six months of exhausting chemotherapy and six weeks of daily radiation that felt like sustaining a fresh sunburn every day. Throughout the process, he battled severe pain, nausea, and complications like edema and anemia. Joseph admits he felt a deep sense of vulnerability and even anger at himself for not seeking answers sooner, yet he found his strength through the u

nwavering presence of his family. Reflecting on his caregivers, he notes, “they really stuck with me through rigamarole,” adding that he “couldn’t have asked for a better support system.”

Today, Joseph is in remission. While his life now includes regular scans, labs, and occasional transfusions to maintain his health, his outlook has been permanently transformed by the community he found along the way. He felt a profound sense of camaraderie with others facing sarcoma, remarking that “it’s amazing how a bad situation like that can become good.” For those currently facing their own diagnosis, Joseph advocates for a mindset of gratitude and resilience. He believes that “being positive is the best medicine” and continues to move forward with a humble appreciation for every new day.