Mom Had Her Leg Amputated After Cancer Diagnosis. Now She’s Undergoing Another ‘High Risk’ Procedure After Tumors Were Found on Her Spine A mother diagnosed with a rare form of cancer has faced a series of life-altering medical decisions after initially believing her condition was benign. Investment banker Sam Butler, 41, from Bexleyheath in southeast London, was diagnosed with giant cell tumours (GCTs) in 2020 following a fall that caused persistent leg pain. At first, doctors believed the tumours were non-cancerous, leading her to think the worst was over after surgical removal. However, two years later, an X-ray for a chest infection revealed malignant tumours had developed in her spine — a discovery described as accidental but devastating. Since then, Butler has undergone seven major operations, including an above-the-knee amputation of her right leg and two extensive spinal surgeries involving the removal of vertebrae and their replacement with metal rods. One of these spinal procedures lasted a grueling 19 hours. In addition to surgery, she has endured multiple rounds of aggressive chemotherapy — one course lasting 72 hours — and radiotherapy treatments. She recently spent eight weeks in hospital and is currently undergoing a third high-risk, three-part spinal operation. Despite the intensity of these interventions, doctors have informed Butler that her tumours are likely to recur even if surgery is successful. She remains in intensive care ahead of a planned procedure to insert a stent in her aorta, necessitated by a tumour fused to the aortic wall. On April 28, 2026, she is scheduled to undergo an “extremely high risk” operation to remove part of her spine and reconstruct it using donor bone and metalwork. Giant cell tumours of the bone are rare, affecting approximately two in a million people annually. While they most commonly occur in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, they are typically benign. However, in rare cases, they can turn into malignant and aggressive, particularly when they recur or spread to atypical locations such as the spine. When malignant, GCTs require complex, multidisciplinary treatment involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, though long-term control remains challenging. Butler’s case underscores the unpredictable nature of rare bone tumours and the profound physical and emotional toll they can take, even when patients respond with resilience and determination. Her ongoing treatment highlights the importance of vigilant follow-up care, as initial benign diagnoses do not eliminate the risk of malignant transformation or recurrence years later. As she prepares for another high-stakes procedure, Butler continues to face her condition with courage, supported by her family and medical team. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the demand for continued research into rare cancers and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis in improving outcomes.
61