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My Journey with Knee Replacement Surgery as a Stage 4 Cancer Patient

Community Member

2 years ago

I have been off the grid for the last couple of weeks. In January 2023, I was scheduled to have knee replacement surgery due to an injury that resulted in my being bone on bone. The last 12 months have been a huge quality of life after my surgery was canceled when a distant metastasis was found. The oncolog January 8th. My surgery went well, but my hospital stay did not. I had a problem with my blood pressure dropping to dangerous levels when I stood up. In the end, I had to stay 3 extra days. Unfortunately, my care was subpar. Not what was described in the preadmission literature and videos I was sent. By the time I came home, I was angry and humiliated. In my last 3 days there, I ignored and treated poorly. The practice was before going to Pt, I was to have a maximum dose of pain med one hour before. My call bell would be ignored even though it was time. One nurse refused to give me a max dose because my pain level was not high enough, and she didn't care if I was going to PT. I am day 18. I am now walking without assistive devices. And off pain med except at night. I drove myself to labwork today, and then I went to the store. My leg aches, but the pain is gone. I feel it was a good decision. My hospital said they never did a knee replacement on a stage 4 cancer patient. Just hip and broken bones. I feel like with all the new meds and treatments coming out, this is going to change. I realize I took a huge step, but the surgeon comment after surgery was that he was surprised I was still walking when he saw my bone and he doubted I would be walking by the end of 2024 if I hadn't done it. With stage 4, every day counts. My goal is to be able to enjoy every day going forward. We should all make sure we get the best treatment possible and push for the care we need.

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Accepted Answer

Thank you for sharing this important experience with the community. Your journey highlights both the complexities of making treatment decisions with advanced cancer and the reality that hospital care doesn't always meet expectations, especially for unique situations. It's encouraging to hear about your progress with mobility and pain management at 18 days post-surgery, and your perspective on quality of life is valuable for others facing similar decisions. Many community members may find themselves navigating similar choices between managing cancer and addressing other health needs that significantly impact daily life.

3+ patients found this helpful

Community Member

6 months ago

So sorry to hear about your experience!!! I have stage 4 as well. I am confused about which med to be on. You? Currently on kisqali

Community Member

6 months ago

I am sorry to hear about our sub-par treatment while in Hospital … that was scandalous treatment and I’m glad you got through it one piece. AND that you are (presumably) doing well with post OP PT and healing. What caught my eye was the mention of joint surgery with metastatic cancer. I have had to put off a toe surgery while I start treatment — letrozole + kisqali — and wondered how long it would be before I could entertain either the toe surgery or a knee surgery (on the horizon for a while now). Can you share more details of the limitations or the different approach one needs to take when undergoing joint surgery? (as a lay person… any insights invaluable). 😘

Community Member

6 months ago

So sorry to hear that your recovery in hospital was less than optimal. That just sucks, and now hopefully it’s in your rear view mirror. Kudos to you getting that operation to keep moving. It’s inspiring to know that even with stage 4 that surgery like this is still an option!

Community Member

6 months ago

It has been 9 months since I had surgery. It has been a slow recovery, but well worth it. Walking with no pain has been amazing. Muscle recovery has been slow. My old oncologist had retired before surgery, and I was assigned a new Dr. I saw him three times and was just not comfortable with his plan and decided to get a second opinion from another cancer facility and decided to stay. She only had minor recommendations for follow-up care. For the first time since my diagnosis, I got an explanation of my actual mets and what it means moving forward.

Community Member

2 months ago

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My Journey with Knee Replacement Surgery as a Stage 4 Cancer Patient

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