Living with PEComa Cancer: Yoga, Positivity, and Community Keep Eric Grounded
Eric received a gut-wrenching diagnosis in January 2023 — PEComa cancer (perivascular epithelioid cell tumor), EAML (epithelioid angiomyolipoma), a rare and little-known kind of cancer that mostly occurs in middle-aged women.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
It seemingly appeared out of nowhere. One evening, Eric was giving a presentation. The next morning, he could barely get out of bed due to abdominal and lower back pain. He went to the ER, suspecting that he had nothing more than kidney stones. But scans revealed a tumor the size of a grapefruit on his kidney. It turned out to be PEComa cancer. This unexpected discovery marked the start of his complex and ongoing medical journey.
Eric quickly had surgery to remove the tumor. Afterward, he faced months of recovery, but understood little about his condition. His local hospital didn’t have the expertise, so the tumor was sent to the Cleveland Clinic. For nearly a year, Eric lived assuming he was cancer-free — until he had a new set of scans done, and they revealed that the cancer had spread. This led him to the Stephenson Cancer Center, where he finally met doctors who understood PEComa cancer.
Eric began chemotherapy in December 2024, following a two-week on, one-week off schedule. He struggled with the treatment’s tough side effects: mouth sores, nausea, rashes, and fatigue. But he found a way to power through. He kept his full-time job and even continued to teach yoga on the side. Physical activity was a boon, as it helped him find strength and maintain a healthy daily routine. Yoga has been a constant in his life for nearly a decade, and it became a key way to stay connected to his body and mind in the face of PEComa cancer.
Support from Eric’s wife, friends, and the yoga community proved invaluable. He initially resisted help, but was humbled when his yoga community raised a large sum of money through an online fundraising campaign in just two days. He’s also found solace in a PEComa support group on Facebook, connecting with other PEComa patients from all over the world.
Eric wants to highlight the importance of acceptance and positivity. He believes in the power of medical advancements and hopes that doctors will find a cure for PEComa cancer in his lifetime. His advice to other rare cancer patients is that you are special, and while the path may be uncertain, you can find strength in community, daily routines, and the belief that science and medicine are continually evolving.
Have a look at Eric’s video to find out more about:
- How a routine ER visit uncovered his rare PEComa cancer
- The role of yoga and physical activity as a whole in managing cancer’s physical toll
- Why Eric’s positive mindset defies the usual reactions to a cancer diagnosis
- How important community support is for those with a rare cancer
- What it’s like living as one of the few men diagnosed with PEComa
- Name:
- Eric C.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 43
- Diagnosis:
- PEComa (perivascular epithelioid cell tumor), EAML (epithelioid angiomyolipoma)
- Symptom:
- Abdominal and lower back pain
- Treatments:
- Surgery: partial nephrectomy
- Chemotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
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