May 20, 2025

Tim's cancer journey highlights the very best of collaborative patient care, medical innovation, and personal determination. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, turning his life upside down. The initial shock of a cancer diagnosis is gut-wrenching and life-altering, followed by treatments that can be equally devastating and take a toll on a person’s life. Tim’s lifestyle changed to a routine of hospital visits, treatment plans and the prospect of surgery.

A Rigorous and Novel Treatment Approach 

While life-saving treatments at Siteman Cancer Center were the highest priority, the disease was wreaking havoc on Tim’s musculoskeletal system, particularly in his left hip. In some cases, the cancerous cells in multiple myeloma can group together in the bone to form a solid tumor called a plasmacytoma. This destroys the bone from within, making it fragile, soft, and susceptible to pain and fractures.

Ian English, MD, MA, musculoskeletal oncologist explains, "Tim’s left hip was being destroyed by myeloma. The left half of his pelvis behind his hip socket was essentially one large tumor. Every step he took caused pain and fracture risk. The femoral head, or the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint, had changed shape because of the destruction and his left leg was shorter by an inch and a half." Tim certainly needed a hip replacement, but because the pelvis was destroyed, a traditional hip replacement would not work. 

Tim had an all-star medical team in oncologists Dr. Michael Slade, Dr. Ravi Vig, and Dr. Ian English. Together, the team developed a complex, personalized plan for his cancer:

• First, radiation therapy was delivered in five session to the left pelvis to treat the tumor and alleviate some pain.
  
• Then, Tim had three months of chemotherapy with an intense four-drug treatment. 
• Next, he underwent autologous stem cell transplant because of his excellent response to chemotherapy and otherwise good overall health.
• Finally, it was time for surgery.

The surgical plan to fix Tim's hip was developed collaboratively among the care team and Dr. English discussed options with Tim. They decided to take the path that would lead to the best long-term outcome, although it was the most rigorous and novel approach. Often, in cases like this, patients end up with an entire pelvis replacement – a treatment that has higher risk of complications.

Dr. English offered a different solution: a staged treatment that began by injecting a liquid bone graft to reestablish the integrity of the hip socket. Together, with Theo Vander Velde, MD, and Jack Jennings, MD, musculoskeletal radiologists, Dr. English performed the bone grafts over a series of several months. After several months of waiting for the bone graft to mature, eventually this approach meant Tim could have a normal hip replacement with relatively low risk and great function, instead of a pelvis replacement that comes with higher risk. 

After nine months, the liquid bone graft solidified, Tim recovered from his stem cell transplant, and he underwent successful left hip replacement surgery. He was able to walk the next day, had immediate pain relief and his legs were equal lengths again. He is now walking without a walker or a cane and building up his strength and endurance every day.  

Tim's Tremendous Effort 

Tim's recovery is medically remarkable and a testament to his dedication. He listened to his doctors, sought out medical opinions he trusted and followed every direction. He was determined to do everything in his power to aid his recovery. From managing a packed appointment schedule, to having tough conversations with his kids and asking for help, he prioritized his return to health.

“There’s no trying. You’re either going to do it, or you’re not,” Tim explained. “When I told my doctors I would do something, I did it, not because it was easy, but because I had to. There are no shortcuts; it’s the daily grind of doing what's needed. Be honest with your physicians and lean on other people when you need to.” 

"Tim’s commitment to the plan for his cancer treatment is what ensured success," Dr. English compliments. Because the plan was to start with life-saving chemotherapy instead of having surgery first, it meant he had to use crutches and not put weight on his left leg for nine months before surgery and then put in the work of recovery. "

Recently, Tim returned from a much-deserved vacation, and he is already planning several more trips. After his hip replacement, he has returned to some of his favorite activities, including hiking and white water rafting. He and his two children, Maddie and Cole, will embark on a road trip to explore national parks and celebrate restored health and the role each of them played in Tim’s journey.  

Learn why patients choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.