one for new jersey father of six children For those who overcame hardships, this Father’s Day will be sweeter than any other.
Richard Monti, a real estate developer from Long Island, was certain to have his leg amputated recently after a life-threatening infection — until one determined doctor saved his leg. Complex surgery,
When Monty was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer in 2018, he thought it would be his toughest battle yet.
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But after undergoing surgery last year to repair his broken upper shin bone — which had been damaged by years of cancer and radiation therapy — Monty developed sepsis, threatening both his life and limb.
Richard Monti, a real estate developer from Long Island, recently had his leg amputated due to a life-threatening infection. A determined doctor was able to save his leg through complicated surgery. (Richard Monty)
It is relatively common Cancer Patient According to Dr. Nicola Fabbri, chief of the orthopedic oncology department at NYU Langone Orthopaedics, who treated Monty, it’s rare to experience this type of fracture.
“When cancer is metastatic and reaches the bone, fractures occur — that’s really the main complication,” Fabry told Fox News Digital in an interview.
“Probably 50% of people who suffer bone metastasis develop a fracture.”
While Monty was in a coma for several weeks, he underwent six surgeries to treat the infection and repair his bones.
“They told my wife she should be ready. They didn’t expect me to be able to do it,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Monty survived – but when he regained consciousness doctors gave him even more devastating news.
Richard Monti (centre) with his family, who helped him get through this long ordeal. “I’m living a really normal life now,” he said. (Richard Monty)
“I was basically given one option, and that was amputation,” Monty, now 64, said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
The news left Monty, who is adept at working on his feet, in a “very dark place”.
He said, “At that point, I was probably at my lowest point. When my body shakes, my mind shakes too. Losing that leg – I thought that was how my story would end.”
“I was basically given one option, and that was amputation.”
Monty asks Dr. Fabbri for a second opinion NYU Langone OrthopedicsThose were highly recommended.
Monty recalled, “I really liked what he said when I met him – ‘We don’t just cut off legs.'”
After numerous tests and scans, the doctor told Monty he was “going back to the drawing board”, which reflected Monty’s building background.
“My wife and I started crying and smiling,” Monty recalled.
Dr. Nicola Fabbri, chief of the Division of Orthopaedic Oncology at NYU Langone Orthopaedics, was determined to save Monty’s leg. (Dr. Nicola Fabbri)
The doctor said he was hopeful that with time, Monty’s sepsis would resolve, and that his soft tissues would heal enough for successful reconstructive surgery.
Monty’s case was complicated. He was dealing with a fracture of the upper part of his tibia that had not yet healed, tissue damage from a sepsis infection, and significant bone loss and weakness radiation therapy For your cancer.
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“The sepsis was likely related to his compromised immune system due to the cancer treatments,” Fabry told Fox News Digital.
‘did a miracle’
Monty was given some time to recover, after which he was deemed ready for surgery.
After 15 months in a brace and on crutches, Monty underwent limb-preservation surgery that involved complex reconstruction of the knee and tibia.
When placing the new knee replacement, Fabry was able to correct the severe deformity caused by the fracture.
During the 11-hour surgery that took place on October 17, 2023, the doctor also removed the damaged parts of the tibia and replaced them with metal implants.
“That doctor and his team did a miracle in my eyes,” Monty said of the surgery that saved his leg. (Richard Monty)
Now, Monty is pain-free, back to work — and able to walk without a stick or crutches.
He said, “That doctor and his team did a miracle for my eyes.”
monty still takes one chemotherapy pill once a day, and now his tumors are “very small, less than a centimeter.”
“For me to still be here — that means God has work for me.”
Although Fabbri has performed similar surgeries before, he said the circumstances of Monty’s challenges were “extremely rare.”
“It was a particularly challenging situation,” he said. “I never thought he could come back to this level. To be where he is today is truly remarkable.”
Monty was able to walk on the beach just a few months after his surgery. His doctor said, “He can walk without any support or with limited support.” (Richard Monty)
Although Monty can’t run, there are “no major limitations” in his daily activities, his doctor told Fox News Digital.
“He can walk without support or with limited support,” Fabbri said. “He sent me a video of himself walking on the beach. It’s amazing.”
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Monty said that during his worst days he found strength in the fact that love for your family – including his wife, five daughters and one son – and his faith.
“For me to still be here – it means god has work for me “That’s why I’m going to keep doing this job, because honestly, I shouldn’t be here,” he said.
Inspired by her father’s health journey, one of Monty’s daughters (pictured) has decided to pursue a career in nursing. “I’m very proud of her,” the father said. (Richard Monty)
Recently, Monty attended his daughter’s high school graduation, visited the college she will be attending in the fall and enjoyed a walk on the beach.
“Earlier, every step I took reminded me of cancer,” he said. “Every step was very painful. But now I don’t really think about it.”
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“I am leading a normal life now.”
Largely inspired by his father Health TravelOne of Monty’s daughters has decided to pursue a career in nursing.
“Not everyone is that flexible.”
“I asked her why she was so determined to become a nurse,” Monty said. “She said, ‘Sitting there and watching you for so many months, I learned that I have so much to offer.’ I’m so proud of her.”
Fabbri believes Monty’s determination and positive attitude are integral to his success.
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“To not get discouraged and still be willing to move forward – that takes a lot of courage and determination,” he said.
“It takes a lot of strength to believe in yourself and your doctor. Not everyone is that resilient.”
