Ashlyn Tacconi has dealt with foot pain intermittently for years, including several bouts of plantar fasciitis and other ailments. However, Ashlyn’s pain has increased significantly the past several months in summer 2021. As of early July, Ashlyn visited urgent care when her foot pain grew and was promptly told it was merely an ankle sprain. Unfortunately, after several weeks of escalating pain, Ashlyn and her husband Alec went to get an MRI which revealed a tumor wrapping around Ashlyn’s heel.
Upon this discovery, Ashlyn and Alec spoke with an oncologist surgeon at UCSF Mission Bay as a precaution. This doctor and an accompanying nurse initially believed that Ashlyn was dealing with a condition called PVNS, or pigmented villonodular synovitis. This condition, although uncomfortable, is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body. However, after an additional ultrasound it was discovered that Ashlyn has several small tumors running up her calf and under her knee.
Ashlyn’s next MRI was so painful that she was unable to finish the test, and she and Alec consequently visited the ER to control pain before she was admitted into UCSF for more concentrated attention. As of August 5th, 2021, doctors at UCSF diagnosed Ashlyn with Clear Cell Sarcoma, much to the sadness of the Tacconis and their loved ones. Ashlyn’s team of doctors is currently working on a treatment plan that will target the cancer with a variety of methods.
Despite this difficult news, Ashlyn is filled with peace and confidence. In the midst of so many reasons to be negative, she has faith in her support team as well as a “beautifully kind God,” as Ashlyn puts it. Follow this page, and share with friends, to stay in touch with Ashlyn’s journey and learn of ways to support the Tacconis through this time.
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