In May of this year, Linda’s life took an unexpected turn when she began experiencing hip pain. What seemed like a routine issue turned out to be far more serious—a tumour, requiring surgery. “I didn’t really understand the enormity of it,” she recalls.
The road ahead was daunting. With surgery as the only treatment option, Linda faced a lot of uncertainty. But she found peace of mind in the expertise of her surgeon, Andy. “Having total faith in his ability and expertise was vital,” Linda shares.
“I was continually chasing Andy up, just wondering what was going on. And then at one stage, he told me that he’d just talked to Milan and that the implant was just about ready. And I thought he was talking to somebody called Milan. I didn’t realise he was talking about Milan, Italy. So the implant came from Italy. It was… it’s 3D printed in titanium in Italy. So that’s why it took time. Yeah, so I now consider myself part-Italian.”
Following surgery, Linda’s journey to recovery was marked by ups and downs. From initially relying on others for even the simplest tasks to gradually regaining strength and independence, every step forward brought newfound confidence. “A lot of it is mind over matter,” Linda reflects. “You’ve got to work on that as well, knowing that you can do this.”
Throughout her hospital stay, Linda found support not only from medical professionals but also from her husband and the caring nursing staff. “The help you get without having to ask for it is really pretty damn good,” she notes gratefully.
“My husband’s been excellent. Oh yeah, he’s been wonderful. Of course, I’ve totally depended on him, but he’ll do anything.”
Now, as Linda prepares to return home, she reflects on the importance of resilience and appreciating life’s simple pleasures. “It takes you right back to the basics,” she says. “You appreciate everything you’ve got.”
Linda’s journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the support of loved ones in overcoming life’s challenges. As she looks ahead to the road to full recovery, Linda faces each day with determination and gratitude, knowing that with each step forward, she grows stronger.