Things down south have been amazing. I have been spending a good bit of time with my little brother (I say ‘little’ but he’s grown and more of a man than I could ever be) and his family as well as my amazing friends.  Brittany and I are slowly getting settled into our home and it is finally feeling like it is truly ‘our home’.  The radiation treatment was such a huge blessing. I was able to complete 25 rounds of aggressive treatment in 30 days. The pain seemed to finally be under control and I was able to live life again.  I was even able to fish and hit the gym a couple of times per week to stay active and try to gain some weight. I was also able to take a road trip to Tampa with my boys for my bachelor party, and a quick vacation to Hilton Head Island to get Brittany on the beach!

Unfortunately, all of the good times came to an abrupt stop this week.  I felt a new pain in my hip that was sharp and more intense than normal.  After a couple of days, I finally had the doctor take an X-ray to see if what I had been feeling was something more serious. Our fears were confirmed this afternoon when I met with my oncologist.  I have a pathologic fracture in my femur just below where the spike from my hip replacement was placed. Basically, the tumor has become so enlarged and the diseased bone has become too weak to support my attempt at walking with a cane which lead to the break.  My oncologist has given us two options: 1) live on crutches or in a wheel chair and see how long I can handle the pain before moving forward with the amputation OR 2) move forward with the amputation as soon as possible which will allow me to heal as much as I can before the wedding in August.  Brittany and I have been praying very hard about the right decision and, after speaking with my Orthopedic Oncologist…. I have decided to move forward with the amputation.

As of right now, I am scheduled for a hemipelvectomy (full amputation of my left leg that includes a portion of my pelvis) on Monday June 20th.  We are meeting with the Orthopedic Oncologist, who will be performing the surgery, this Thursday to finalize the plan.  This surgery will obviously mean that I have an intense and long recovery ahead of me.  It starts with a couple of days in the ICU followed by about a week in the hospital.  It feels as overwhelming and daunting to me, as I’m sure it feels for all of you to read. However… THIS WILL NOT BREAK ME!  I can promise you that this will only make me stronger! If there is one thing that I have learned through all of this is that this fight belongs to the Lord.

I must continue to boast about the greatest support system in the world, ALL OF YOU! You all have been absolutely amazing and I cannot thank you enough. It is the biggest blessing the Lord has graced me with (outside of Momma Bird).

I love you all and thank you so much for your support and prayers!

#TryMeCGB