St. Luke’s orthopedic oncologist saves Marine veteran’s leg after rare sarcoma diagnosis
When Marine Corps veteran and longtime educator Nick Fischer salutes the flag this Veterans Day, he’ll do so standing on both legs — thanks to a remarkable surgical effort by St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care.
In July 2023, Fischer, a former Easton Area High School teacher and Dieruff High School assistant principal, faced surgery for a large sarcoma — a rare and aggressive form of cancer — that had stretched the entire length of his left calf. He went into the operating room uncertain whether he would wake up with his leg intact.
That day, Dr. Justin Miller, St. Luke’s orthopedic oncologist and the only specialist of his kind in the Lehigh Valley, successfully removed the tumor while preserving the blood vessels needed to maintain Fischer’s leg function and avoid amputation.
Fischer awoke to the news that his leg had been saved — 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. “Our goal was not only to treat the disease but to preserve Nick’s quality of life.”
Fischer, 55, who previously taught chemistry and environmental science, said he never expected to add “cancer survivor” to his list of life roles that already included Marine, teacher, and assistant principal.
He began experiencing pain, tingling, and swelling in his left leg in 2022. An evaluation by Dr. Lea Reyes of St. Luke’s Medical Associates of Bethlehem, followed by Dr. Miller’s assessment, revealed the sarcoma — and subsequent scans showed it had spread to Fischer’s left breast.
Before surgery, Fischer underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. His treatment involved a multidisciplinary team across St. Luke’s University Health Network, carefully coordinated to maximize his chances of success.
During the operation, Dr. Miller collaborated with Dr. Christopher Sanders of St. Luke’s Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery to protect vital blood vessels needed for leg function. Two months later, Dr. Darius Desai, St. Luke’s surgical oncologist, removed 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 now receives regular MRI and CT scans every four months and continues follow-ups with Dr. Miller. So far, there has been no sign of cancer recurrence.
“I lucked out to connect with Dr. Miller,” Fischer said.
Now retired, Fischer cherishes his time as a grandfather to two young grandchildren.
“They just turned 1 year old and 2 years old a couple of weeks ago,” he said. “I watch them quite often. It’s the best job in the world.”
