Richard Monti, a 64-year-old father of six from Long Island, is celebrating a Father’s Day unlike any other. This year, he’s not just celebrating fatherhood, but also the gift of mobility – a gift he almost lost.
Monti’s journey began with a diagnosis of metastatic kidney cancer in 2018. While challenging, he faced it head-on. However, a seemingly routine surgery to repair a fractured shin bone, weakened by years of cancer treatment, took an unexpected turn. Sepsis set in, threatening both his life and his leg.
“Cancer patients are more susceptible to fractures,” explained Dr. Nicola Fabbri, Chief of Orthopedic Oncology at NYU Langone Orthopedics, who treated Monti. “These fractures can be major complications.”
Monti’s condition worsened. He spent weeks in a coma, undergoing multiple surgeries to fight the infection and restore his bones. Doctors prepared his wife for the worst. “They basically told her to prepare for amputation,” Monti shared.
Devastated, facing the prospect of losing his leg, Monti felt his spirit plummet. “That was my lowest point. I couldn’t imagine not being able to be active,” he said.
Determined to fight for his mobility, Monti sought a second opinion from Dr. Fabbri, known for his expertise in limb salvage. “When I met him, his words were like music to my ears: ‘We don’t just cut legs off,'” Monti recalled.
Hope rekindled, Monti underwent extensive evaluation. Dr. Fabbri, impressed by Monti’s resilience, told him, “We’re going back to the drawing board,” a nod to Monti’s background in real estate development.
Monti’s case was complex – a combination of a lingering fracture, tissue damage from sepsis, and bone weakness caused by radiation. Dr. Fabbri suspected the sepsis stemmed from a weakened immune system due to cancer treatment.
After a period of healing, Monti was deemed strong enough for a grueling 11-hour surgery in October 2023. Dr. Fabbri performed a limb-preserving surgery, reconstructing both Monti’s knee and tibia. During the procedure, he corrected the fracture deformity and replaced damaged bone with metal implants.
The surgery was a success. Today, Monti is not only pain-free but also back to work and walking without assistance. “That doctor and his team are miracle workers,” Monti expressed with gratitude.
Monti’s remarkable recovery is a testament to both Dr. Fabbri’s skill and Monti’s unwavering spirit. While he continues to manage his cancer with medication, his tumors are shrinking. Though he can’t run, Dr. Fabbri assures him he has “no substantial limitations” in his daily life.
Monti’s journey has not only been about physical recovery but also about rediscovering the simple joys of life. “Every step used to be a reminder of the cancer,” he shared. “Now, I don’t even think about it. I’m living a normal life again.”
This experience has also had a profound impact on his family. Inspired by her father’s strength, one of Monti’s daughters has decided to pursue a career in nursing. “She wants to help others the way they helped Dad,” Monti said, filled with pride.
Monti’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the remarkable advancements in medical care. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.sharemore_vert
