Osteosarcoma begins in the bones. It is the most common type of bone cancer tumor in the group of bone cancers called osteogenic sarcomas. It affects 5 percent of all teens diagnosed with cancer. Symptoms usually include pain or swelling in the legs or arms.

Tina blogs about her daughter Kristina Rose. Kristina's website caught my eye one day because we share the same name. I wanted to read about her story. I have since then been in contact with Kristina's mom Tina. She is an amazing mom who lives with the fear of Kristina's cancer returning. Kristina is doing wonderful and is now over a two year survivor!

The Relay for Life is something that is very important to Tina. She wants to make sure that a cure is found! You can go to the American Cancer Society website to find more information about the Relay for Life or go here to find information about the Relay of Life that Kristina and her mom will be involved in.

On March 29th, 2004 Kristina was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. She was only 11 years old. She is a beautiful young woman now, as you can see! Tina might not have too much to blog about these days except that Kristina is being a normal teenager and spending lots of time on the phone. This I love to hear!

According to the Teenage Cancer Trust , in the last 30 years, the incidence of cancer for teens and young adults has increased 50 percent, and the number of teens with cancer now exceeds the number of children with cancer. The Teenage Cancer Trust provides services, education and support for teens diagnosed with cancer. Not adults, and not children, they often receive treatment and services they feel are not age-appropriate or relevant to the special needs of teens.

In addition to information and support, the teen cancer charity hosts Teenage Cancer Trust Challenges, for those interested in a different type of adventure, an escape from the monotony of everyday life and a way to raise funds for, as the teen charity states, "an incredibly worthwhile cause." Two of the upcoming events include the Roof of the World Trek - Tibet to Everest Base Camp and Trekking the Deserts and Dunes of Southern Morocco.

The Teenage Cancer Trust Find Your Sense of Tumour holds weekend conferences, to give teens with cancer an opportunity to connect with other teens, and share their common experiences as teen cancer survivors.