One New Jersey father of six, Richard Monti, recently faced a life-threatening infection that put him at risk of amputation. Monti, a real estate developer, had already battled metastatic kidney cancer in 2018, but his journey took a dire turn when he developed sepsis after surgery to repair a fractured shin bone damaged by cancer and radiation therapy.
Dr. Nicola Fabbri, chief of the Division of Orthopedic Oncology at NYU Langone Orthopedics, treated Monti and shared that fractures are a common complication for cancer patients with bone metastases. Monti underwent six surgeries while in a coma to fight the infection and save his leg. Despite the odds, Monti pulled through but was faced with the devastating news of possible amputation.
At his lowest point, Monti sought a second opinion from Dr. Fabbri, who was determined to explore alternatives to amputation. After extensive testing, a complex reconstruction surgery was planned to save Monti’s leg. The surgery, which lasted 11 hours, involved correcting severe deformities, removing damaged parts of the tibia, and replacing them with metal implants.
After a long recovery process, Monti is now pain-free, back to work, and able to walk without assistance. His tumors have shrunk significantly, and he continues to take a chemotherapy pill daily. Monti credits his faith, family support, and the skill of Dr. Fabbri for his remarkable recovery.
Despite the challenges he faced, Monti’s positive outlook and determination were crucial in his successful outcome. His daughter, inspired by his health journey, has decided to pursue a career in nursing. Monti’s story serves as a testament to resilience and the importance of believing in oneself and medical professionals during tough times.