My Unexpected Diagnosis: Facing a Giant Cell Tumor
In July 2023, my left knee started acting up, I could no longer run, do a child’s pose or put pressure on it. I brushed it off, assuming it was just a minor issue that would resolve itself. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
Weeks turned into months, and the pain persisted. Physical therapy offered some relief, but the underlying problem remained a mystery. Finally, I decided to consult a knee specialist. An X-ray revealed a large shadow lurking in my left femur, and an MRI confirmed the presence of a tumor.
My mind raced. Was it cancerous? I had been experiencing other health issues – weight loss, migraines, body aches – and fear took hold. Thankfully, I was able to get an appointment with one of the top orthopedic oncologists in my area right away. This gave me confidence that I was in the best hands possible. Dr. Khan assured me there was a 95% chance it was a benign giant cell tumor, but that remaining 5% felt like a looming threat.
But what exactly is a giant cell tumor? It's a rare, non-cancerous tumor that usually develops near a joint at the end of a bone. Though benign, it can be aggressive and damage the surrounding bone. They're most commonly found in adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Unfortunately, giant cell tumors have a pesky habit of coming back, even after successful removal. This means I'll need regular monitoring with X-rays and MRIs to ensure the tumor doesn't rear its ugly head again.
The wait for the biopsy results was agonizing. I battled with anxiety and uncertainty, trying not to let my thoughts spiral into worst-case scenarios. Finally, the news arrived: it was indeed a giant cell tumor. A wave of relief washed over me - it wasn't cancer! Honestly, I was so overwhelmed with gratitude in that moment that I didn't fully grasp the magnitude of what lay ahead. A 3.5-hour surgery, months of challenging recovery, and the possibility that my knee might never feel the same... it all seemed a bit blurry.
Surgery was scheduled for March 6th. The tumor was removed, replaced with bone cement, and secured with a metal plate and six screws. Recovery was challenging, especially with two young children to care for. Thankfully, my amazing cousin Olivia stepped in to help while my husband was at work, and my mom and family provided incredible support.
I spent months on crutches, with physical therapy twice a week. Progress was slow and painful, but each milestone felt like a victory. And then, just yesterday almost 9 months post-surgery, it happened – I jogged on the treadmill for a full minute! It was my first run since last July, and the feeling was exhilarating.
My recovery isn't over yet. I still experience deep bone pain, tingling in my shin, and limited knee flexion. But I'm determined to regain my full strength and mobility. I've even started rehab again to address some lingering issues. Dr. Khan and his entire team were, and continue to be, absolutely fantastic. Not only are they incredibly skilled, but they also have a wonderful bedside manner. They truly listen to my concerns and make me feel like I'm an active participant in my own care.
I visualize myself running a 5K again – maybe just a mile to start – and I know I'll get there. This experience has tested my resilience, but it has also shown me the incredible power of the human body and spirit. And through it all, I've been blessed with the unwavering support of my family and friends. This is just the beginning of my story. I'll be sharing more about my journey to recovery here, including what's helped me along the way in terms of wellness, mindset, nutrition, and more. My hope is that by documenting my experiences, I can provide support and inspiration to others.