and guiding whitewater rafting trips. At 6’4" and 225 pounds, I was the picture of health.

Over the course of three years and two months, I endured a liver resection, a Whipple procedure, bilateral chest tubes, 6 weeks of radiation, 6 months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove part of my small intestine that had become ulcerated by radiation. During the last two months of my chemotherapy, I started to develop a limp with chronic pain in my left hip and leg. Thought to be a sciatic nerve condition, it went untreated for a full year before I was x-rayed and was told by an orthopedic surgeon in Rockland County , NY that I had bi-lateral osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis most likely due to my chemotherapy treatment. Due to the extent of damage to my hips and my unique medical history, he suggested that I see Dr. William Macaulay at Columbia-Presbyterian.

Since all of my prior surgeries were at Columbia-Presbyterian with great success, I felt confident with his recommendation and looked forward to my consultation. With pain increasing day by day and compromising my ability to perform daily tasks at work and recreationally, I hoped Dr. Macaulay would have the answer. Upon further discussion and review of my x-ray films with Dr. Macaulay, I had two choices: pain or relief. As pain was no longer an option, I agree to a total hip replacement on my left side with the possibility of a femoral head resurfacing. However, the latter procedure was not yet FDA approved and I could not wait any longer due to excruciating pain in my daily activities. I decided to go ahead with the total hip replacement which took place on July 22, 2005.

Following my surgery, I no longer had the pain in my left hip and leg. I felt for the first time in a long time that I would be able to walk normally again. Immediate range of motion and mobility were felt the next morning while taking my first steps. I recovered very quickly in the hospital and received six weeks of physical therapy, twice per week. I returned to work after only eight weeks and was able to perform my job responsibilities as a pharmaceutical production operative at Hoffmann-La Roche which includes many physical activities and standing for long periods of time.

After seeing immediate improvement on my left side, the compensation for my right side became more evident due to the intensifying pain. At my 10-week post-op checkup with Dr. Macaulay, we decided to set a date for my right hip surgery in December 2005. At this time, Dr. Macaulay informed me that the femoral resurfacing procedure was available and that I was a good candidate for the surgery. The surgery was a great success with all of the "parts" fitting perfectly. Now being a recipient of both a total hip replacement and a femoral resurfacing, I could compare the two over time.

Immediate strength and range of motion was more noticeable on my right side within days of the surgery. After my first surgery, I left the hospital using a walker and this time, I used just a cane. My physical therapy was much easier after the resurfacing procedure and I gained both strength and mobility quicker on my right side.

Once again, I recovered and was back full time at work in 8 weeks. The strength in my right side after 8 weeks far exceeds that of my left side after 6 months. I feel that I am lacking complete flexibility and strength in my left hip flexor. I know that through continued physical therapy, I will be back to my old self with a few new parts by the spring. Thanks to Dr. Macaulay and his excellent team, I will now be able to walk down the aisle without a limp and dance at my wedding reception in May without pain (or painkillers).

Cancer free and walking tall!