In December of 2017, at twelve years old, I was diagnosed with right fibular osteosarcoma. After a few months, I had a limb salvage to remove the tumor and lost 6 inches of my fibula, 8 inches of a nerve, a couple major arteries, and some muscle as well. Complications arose from hematoma and compartment syndrome, prompting an emergency surgery (a fasciotomy) to cut and relieve tension created by strong connective tissue called fascia. After that, I was given a skin graft and my leg began to heal. When this ten day hospital visit had concluded, I spent months on physical therapy relearning to walk with drop foot and picked back up on chemotherapy until August. I was officially clear at that point, though still physically recovering-lots of rehab and wound care. I managed to return to school and church, and I was as close to normal as one can be in this state…It wasn't exactly a sports friendly state of being, but I was able to see and interact with friends again!
In January of 2021, on a routine scan with my orthopedic surgeon, they noticed a small nickel-sized recurrence of the tumor in the neighboring tibia. Conducting some more scans and another biopsy, we confirmed that I had relapsed, and I was given a new port to start a new regimen of chemotherapy.
I was sixteen years old when my leg was amputated at Scottish Rite later in the same year. I recovered faster than I could have imagined, but my life would be forever changed in a more drastic way than the loss of a nerve. Following the amputation, I completed a couple more rounds of chemotherapy as preventative measure and six months of maintenance via oral medication.
Since that time I have:
Completed several years of college
Started a fulltime job
Gotten married
Purchased a home
I have come a long long way and I would not have that if it were not for my God and King (Romans 1:16). The Lord has not only provided me with a wonderful testimony to share, but also an amazing and supportive group of family, friends, and other fellow believers.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:36
