Advanced Orthopedic Oncology Saves Leg of Marine and Educator with Rare Sarcoma

Nick Fischer of Easton, who served in the Marine Corps, will be able to stand on his own two legs when he salutes the flag this upcoming Veterans Day.

In July 2023, Fischer, a former Easton Area High School teacher and Dieruff High School assistant principal in Allentown, prepared to undergo surgery not knowing whether he would awaken with his lower left leg intact.

But that day, St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care's Dr. Justin Miller, who is the only orthopedic oncologist in the Lehigh Valley, removed a large sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, that stretched the entire length of Fischer’s left calf -- heroically managing to do so while preserving the blood vessels Fischer needed to avoid amputation and retain leg function.

Fischer awoke from the surgery to learn that his leg had been saved. It was the best possible outcome.

“Sarcoma is a rare and complex cancer that requires a highly individualized approach,” said Dr. Miller, an orthopedic surgeon whose subspecialty is orthopedic oncology. (Orthopedic oncology has been described as perhaps the smallest club within orthopedics, with fewer than 200 fellowship-trained orthopedic oncologists nationwide, based on Musculoskeletal Tumor Society membership and academic program rosters.)

“Our goal was not only to treat the disease but to preserve Nick’s quality of life,” Miller added.

Fischer, 55, who taught chemistry and environmental science at Easton High, wasn’t expecting to add cancer survivor to his list of life roles that includes Marine, teacher and assistant principal. In retrospect, he said he can see clearly how fortunate he is that he turned to St. Luke’s when he needed help.

Fischer began experiencing pain, tingling and swelling in his left leg in 2022. An initial visit with Dr. Lea Reyes of St. Luke’s Medical Associates of Bethlehem and further evaluation by Dr. Miller revealed the sarcoma causing Fischer’s leg problems. Fischer also learned the cancer had spread to his left breast.

Before surgery could be performed, Fischer required both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor in his leg. This was only one part of the highly complex treatment plan that involved a number of other advanced specialists from throughout St. Luke’s University Health Network. This plan that was expertly choreographed to maximize the odds of success.

During the July 2023 surgery to remove the sarcoma, Dr. Miller collaborated with Dr. Christopher Sanders from St. Luke's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery to preserve the critical blood vessels necessary for leg function. Thanks to their planning and execution, the surgery was a success and Nick’s leg was saved. Two months later, St. Luke’s surgical oncologist Dr. Darius Desai completed successful surgery to remove the cancerous mass from Fischer’s left breast.

"It couldn’t have gone any better," Fischer said. "Everybody from A-Z at St. Luke’s I give high marks, high respect. They’re very professional, extremely friendly, empathetic, and of course very knowledgeable."

Fischer receives regular MRI and CT scans every four months and follows up with Dr. Miller to make sure he’s healthy. He’s shown no signs of a recurrence of his cancer.

“I lucked out to connect with Dr. Miller," Fischer said.

Staying healthy matters more than ever to Fischer as he plays his new favorite role — loving grandfather to two grandkids. “They just turned 1 year old and 2 years old a couple of weeks ago,” Fischer said. “I watch them quite often.

“It’s the best job in the world.”