Celeste’s Story

Chondrosarcoma at the Proximal Femur
Age at Diagnosis: 48
Year of Diagnosis: 2003
Location: New Hampshire

Diagnosis: I first saw a doctor in February of 2003 at the age of 48. I had pain in my right femur and went to my local orthopedist. He took an x-ray and found a tumor in my right femur. He suggested I go to Boston Mass General, and I went there in May of 2003 and saw Dr. Hornicek (wonderful doctor). He did a biopsy of the tumor, and it was chrondrosarcoma.

Treatment: I was diagnosed in of May 2003 had surgery about three weeks later. I had a bone allograph (bone transplant). Click here to see my leg x-rays. I was in Mass General for 4 1/2 days then I went to my local rehab hospital. I spent 3 1/2 weeks in rehab and did not have radiation or chemotherapy.

Recovery: I had physical therapy at home for about a month and then I went to PT 3 times a week for about 6 months. I joined a gym to further strengthen my muscles. Four months after surgery I was 100% weight-bearing. Six months after surgery I was walking with a cane. Within a year I had no cane, and I walk with a slight limp. I’ve had no recurrences or metastasis. I did have breast cancer 2 years prior but they are 2 primaries.

Life Now: Today I am fine. I will be a 5 year breast cancer survivor and 2 year bone cancer survivor in June.

Thoughts and Hints for New Patients: Join support groups – you will learn so much from other people’s experiences. Go online and read as much as you can. There is so much info out there. Get a second opinion if you are not happy with the first doctor’s diagnosis.