First had knee pain in the summer of 1982. I blamed it on New Balance shoes that I had just started using. Knee pain persisted, then in the spring of 1983 I hurt the knee playing softball, it swelled. I finally got an x-ray in late June 1983 (28 years old, no health insurance)and the tumor was diagnosed.
I had the surgery in July of 1983. They removed the tumor and put bone graft material in the hole. The tumor was about the size of a quarter or a little bigger but very close to the end of the tibia. The hardest thing I ever did in my life was to walk across the room the day after the surgery (they made me do this) because I was so wiped out from the surgery.
I don't remember exactly when I could run again, but I would guess 9 months to a year after surgery.
I chose Dr. Lewis because he seemed low-key, unlike the "cowboy" surgeon stereotype. After the initial diagnosis, I got four opinions, two cowboys and two low-key guys. I picked the low-key guy who could schedule the surgery ASA. Also, the two cowboys wanted to put methyl methacrylate (plastic) in the hole and I did not want that. One cowboy even talked about cadaver tibia and I did not want that either.
I am very grateful that things turned out OK and that my parents could help me with the financial and recovery end. Almost 28 years later, I am still running, still competing, not that fast but I wasn't that great even when I was young.
Hope this helps you.