As a leukemia survivor, I faced an unexpected consequence of my cancer treatment — avascular necrosis in both hips. I was diagnosed in February 2024, and by August, it was clear there was no other option: I needed both hips replaced. I first met Dr. Austin Chen during my initial diagnosis, and I immediately felt a connection. When the news sank in, and I faced the reality of bilateral hip replacement, I did what any thorough patient would do — I sought second, third, and even fourth opinions. But there was never really a question in my mind. I wanted Dr. Chen. His bedside manner, professionalism, and the trust I felt from that very first meeting made the decision clear. When I asked him how many hip replacements he had performed, he laughed and said, “Just seven yesterday.” That said everything. He agreed to perform both surgeries six weeks apart. The procedures themselves were remarkably quick, and the entire experience was seamless from start to finish. The staff was wonderful at every step — from pre-op visits and CT scans to post-op X-rays. Both times, I was in surgery at 8 a.m. and home by 1 p.m. Pain management was handled thoughtfully — I won’t say I had no pain, but it was very manageable. As a leukemia survivor, I approached recovery carefully and gave my body the time it needed. I was committed to working with a professional physical therapist, staying consistent with my home exercises — and to this day, I continue prioritizing strength, movement, and mobility. The combination of exceptional surgical care and long-term dedication to rehabilitation made all the difference. It’s been a year and a half since my first surgery, and today I can walk 16,000 steps a day, hike with significant elevation gain, work out, and bike. Most importantly, I feel like myself again. Before the surgeries, I could barely walk. I lived in constant pain and felt miserable. Dr. Chen and his team didn’t just replace my hips — they gave me my life back.