Javier’s Story

Ostoesarcoma at the proximal femur
Age at Diagnosis: 23
Date of Diagnosis: 1989

Diagnosis: I was a strong and healthy 23 year old man. In the summer of 1989, I began to have pain in my left knee. I would walk and all of a sudden my left leg would give in. Eventually the pain was on my left hip. I visited my family doctor and he did not pay much attention. You will not believe what he told me. He literally said, and I quote, “Everything is in your mind. You are young; go out and have fun.” But of course my pain was unbearable. I visited another doctor, and he referred me to a specialist. After many tests and a biopsy, I remember my doctor coming to me and saying, “You have CANCER.” I guess, like everybody else, when you first hear this word, you immediately relate to death. But to my surprise, I did not. I was scared of course, but also I was relieved that finally I knew what I had and I knew what I had to do to get better.

Treatment and Recovery: I started with 6 rounds of chemotherapy and have had many reconstructive surgeries. My recovery was long due to my further surgeries. Finally today I have a saddle prosthesis. This has worked for me very well and allows me to walk with a cane.

Life now: I consider myself a very lucky man. I have been able to make my dreams come true, get married and have children. I guess no one knows how long we will be in this world, but I just hope God grants me life to see and look after all my loved-ones until they are able to take care of themselves.

I work in the ISIT industry; I really enjoy my job. I still have my dear father and my two lovely sisters and my niece with me; they have been always a very important part of my life.

Unfortunately not all in life is perfect. I lost part of my life almost 3 year ago when my dear lovely mother past away. She was my best friend and the person that has been with me always, no matter what. My dear mother looked after me during my surgeries, treatments and therapies. She never stop caring and encouraging me to keep on going and to overcome this disease. Thank you, Mamita.

My lovely wife, what can I say, she is my soul mate, my best friend. I will say in Spanish, she is my PANITA. She has given me two adorable children, my boy, Miguel and my little princess Nicole.

If I go back in time and I remember back 16 years ago lying on a hospital bed, going through a chemotherapy course, I never imaged that one day I could have so much. But I have to thank God; today’s advanced medicine and the love of my family that helped me live for a second chance.

Thoughts and hints for new patients: Always have a positive attitude; you will have good and bad days. Listen to your doctor, follow all their instructions. I can tell you my own experience: I was 24 and I had to walk with a cane, but at that age you do not want to do this. I believe that if I had used my cane always as my doctor asked me to, I would not have gone through so many surgeries.