Frederico, 33, was delighted when he found out he was going to be a dad for the first time. But that same day he was given a devastating diagnosis that changed everything…

When Federico Capitani was told he was going to become a father for the first time in late June, it was bittersweet. 

Just hours earlier, the otherwise fit and healthy dad-to-be had been given a shock cancer diagnosis.

The 33-year-old, who’s from Milan but has lived in Sydney for 10 years, has osteosarcoma – a type of bone cancer. The only symptom was a 10cm lump that appeared on his right side below his armpit. 

Devastated by the news, Frederico spent the day alone trying to digest the news and wonder how he was going to break it to his girlfriend Gisela, 33.

‘It was probably the saddest I’ve been in my whole life,’ he told FEMAIL. 

But later that evening Gisela had news of her own and bounded through the door, beaming with joy. 

‘I’m pregnant!’ she announced, immediately wiping any thoughts of cancer from Frederico’s mind. 

But Gisela could tell something was wrong and he couldn’t keep it in.

The only symptom was a 10cm lump that appeared on his right side below his armpit

‘I was blown away and couldn’t believe it but I had to tell her I had cancer. We held each other and cried, because we knew my life would be compromised,’ he recalled. 

The diagnosis sent shockwaves through his network of close family and friends because Federico has always been fit and healthy and followed a balanced diet.

He goes to the gym five times a week, plays soccer twice a week and goes for 5km runs with Gisela once a week. 

He also doesn’t have any family history of the disease other than his grandfather who had prostate cancer.  

In March, Federico felt severe discomfort and pain after 20 minutes of laying down on his right side. Then in the shower he noticed a lump that didn’t hurt to touch, which he initially thought was a hernia or skin growth.  

‘I was looking in the mirror, raised my hand and noticed something was there. But never did I think it was cancer,’ he said. 

The diagnosis came as a shock because Federico a fit, healthy and energetic. He goes to the gym five times a week, plays soccer twice a week and goes for 5km runs with Gisela once a week.

Little did he know the cancerous tumour between his sixth and ninth ribs was as big as a lemon. It’s now grown to be the size of an orange in just six weeks. 

Federico made an appointment with his GP who sent him for tests immediately. 

Since he’s on a visa and doesn’t have access to Medicare, he had to pay for the medical expenses out of pocket.  

‘It wasn’t clear what the lump was which started to worry me, so I had a biopsy at St Vincent’s Hospital and the results came back less than a week later, then I was diagnosed,’ he said. 

‘I thought my life was ending, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know the reason for life anymore. The first thing that came to mind was going back to Italy and being with family.’ 

The wonderful pregnancy news has given Federico a driving ambition to fight the cancer 

But the pregnancy was the hope he needed to push through.

‘I thought maybe there is a reason to go on. I knew I have to get this fixed to support my future,’ he added.

At this stage the tumour has reached the maximum capacity in the small space between his ribs and doctors aren’t sure if it’s affecting his lungs. 

Federico was meant to have three different operations August 30 at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to remove the tumour.

But unfortunately this has been postponed because the medical team are not able to provide a valid solution for the chest reconstruction.

‘The company they were intended to use it has just now declared bankruptcy so consequently his team has decided to pull out from operating me,’ Federico explained. 

This means he’ll likely need to wait two to three months for surgery with a new medical team. 

Now all he can do is wait for the call for surgery. As he’s on a visa and doesn’t have access to Medicare

Federico stressed he doesn’t have time to waste and hopes the operation can be done sooner rather than later.

‘I’m feeling disappointed about the whole situation – there is a part of me that feels responsible somehow,’ he said.

‘I’ve asked myself, “What have I done to deserve this?” At 33 I didn’t really feel it was my time yet.’ 

Doctors also aren’t sure what may have caused the cancer to occur; the surgeons mentioned osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma can occur when cells in the muscles or bones suddenly shift their DNA without any clear reason. 

They also suggested it could potentially be caused by exposure to chemicals, potentially in tap water or non-organic fruits and vegetables.

Federico said he already ate mostly organic food and did not drink much tap water, so the cause remains unknown.

Now all he can do is wait for the call for surgery.  

You can find a link to Federico’s GoFundMe campaign in the bullet points