Keith’s Story

Low-grade osteosarcoma at the proximal femur
Age at Diagnosis: 47
Date of Diagnosis: 2003
Location: Colorado
Hospital: Presbyterian St. Luke’s, Denver
Team: Dr. Richard Hesky and Dr. Ross Wilkins

Diagnosis: I went to my GP in late 2002 with chronic pain in my right hip. An x-ray indicated a change in bone density. MRI and subsequent exams pointed to a bone tumor. Biopsy confirmed that it was osteosarcoma.

Treatment: I had a radical femoral resection with hip replacement and no chemotherapy. My experience was positive and uneventful, under the circumstances.

Recovery: I spent three days post-op in the hospital, then about eight weeks at home recuperating. I had six weeks of physical therapy that began about two weeks after the surgery.

Life now: I have some minor limitations to the movement of my right leg, as the muscles and tendons are not attached to real bone anymore — and they’re not attached the way God did when He put me together. I had my surgery in Feb. 2003. On Labor Day 2003, I hiked 1.8 miles in the hills of Colorado. A couple of weeks later, I did a hike that involved 1,800 vertical feet in elevation in about a mile of walking. I use a walking stick when I hike. It’s not a bad idea for anyone, hip replacement or not.

I live a pretty normal life. My job does not require any particular physical ability. However, I swim in the summer for exercise. In the winter, I work out on a stationary bike and lift weights (including leg presses). I can walk and even run to catch the bus, although I do not run for recreation.

Thoughts and Hints for Patients: If it hurts, go tell the doctor. I tried to shake off my pain for six weeks before giving in. I was fortunate that mine had not metastasized. Ask your doctor questions and keep asking until you get answers you can understand. Get educated, but be careful of what you read on the internet. It might be accurate, but not applicable to your situation. Don’t look at still photos or video of orthopedic surgery unless you have a strong stomach. Osteosarcoma is not an automatic death sentence, nor is it a guarantee that you’ll be disabled for life. Advances in treatment are making not only survivability a much better bet, but a healthy, productive and largely unimpeded life after treatment. But you have to have it treated.