Margaret (Peggy) Gaston’s Journey: Overcoming Sarcoma with Strength and Support

At 76 years old, Margaret (Peggy) Gaston of Coplay has lived a life dedicated to helping others. As a retired emergency room nurse from St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, she’s spent countless hours treating patients in need. But in early 2024, she found herself facing a medical challenge of her own—a growing lump on her knee that she instinctively knew wasn’t right.

“I was hoping it was a lipoma, a benign fatty tumor, but in a few weeks, it had doubled in size,” said Margaret.

Her primary care physician, Dr. Greg Todd of St. Luke’s Walbert Avenue Primary Care, acted quickly and referred her to Dr. Justin Miller at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care. Dr. Miller, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in musculoskeletal oncology, brings both precision and compassion to his work. As an orthopedic oncologist, his expertise lies in diagnosing and treating cancers of the bones and soft tissues.

Margaret was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare cancer that originates in the body’s connective tissues, including muscles, fat and bones. Her specific type of sarcoma was extremely rare, with fewer than 500 cases reported annually in the U.S. Sarcomas can be aggressive, making early detection and specialized care crucial. Fortunately, in April, 2024, Margaret’s treatment plan involved a complex surgery with Dr. Miller that entailed removing the tumor, along with a wide margin of tissue, from her knee area. Local skin advancement flaps were used to reduce the defect size along with a skin graft to the defect.

Following the procedure, the pathology report noted negative margins, indicating no cancer cells were detected in the surgical margins of the resected tumor. She continues with medical surveillance, undergoing CT and MRI scans every four months to monitor her health. No further treatment is needed at this time.

"I was relieved to learn that St. Luke’s has an orthopedic oncologist specializing in sarcoma," said Margaret. "Dr. Miller did a phenomenal job, performing a radical resection with wide margins. Now, a year after my surgery, I am showing no evidence of disease. Given the extreme rarity of my diagnosis, I feel incredibly fortunate to have received expert care close to home—without needing to travel to Philadelphia or New York."

"Margaret approached her diagnosis and treatment with remarkable determination,” said Dr. Miller. “Our goal was not only to remove the cancer but to preserve her mobility and quality of life as much as possible. She has demonstrated incredible resilience, and it has been an honor to be part of her care team."

Finding Strength in Community

One year post-surgery, Margaret remains committed to living life fully. She actively participates in the Sarcoma Alliance, an online group for sarcoma survivors, where she connects with others who have faced similar diagnoses.

"Being part of the support group is so helpful," she said. "Sarcoma is so rare, but through the alliance, I’ve met people who truly understand the journey. We share experiences, offer encouragement, and celebrate each other’s victories. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone—and that I can also be a source of hope for others."

Beyond emotional support, the group provides valuable insight into navigating post-surgery life, treatment decisions, and ongoing health monitoring. Margaret also remains physically active, walking twice a day—logging more than six miles daily. “When it rains, I get my walk in at the mall,” she said.

Margaret’s story is one of resilience—a reminder that knowledge, swift action, and compassionate care can turn a daunting diagnosis into a journey of hope and healing.