Guðmundur Felix diagnosed with cancer
Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson, who received a double hand transplant in 2021, has been diagnosed with nasal cancer.
- Doctors plan to surgically remove the tumor, and he is awaiting further scans to ensure the cancer has not spread.
- He expressed optimism about the surgery's potential to remove the entire tumor and joked about his future entertainment prospects.
Guðmundur Felix Grétarsson, a pioneer in medical history for receiving a double hand transplant in 2021, is now facing a new health battle after being diagnosed with nasal cancer.
Grétarsson, who lost both his arms in an accident in 1998, underwent the groundbreaking transplant surgery in Lyon, France. The procedure was significant as it involved grafting two complete arms onto a patient who had none previously.
He shared the news on his Facebook page, writing, "Gvendur wasn't well for long. I just got the news that I have cancer in my snout and it needs to be removed." Despite the diagnosis, he remains hopeful, noting that the surgery is expected to remove the entire tumor. He is scheduled for a PET scan to confirm the cancer has not spread and will consult with facial reconstruction specialists for a second opinion on potential reconstructive options.
Grétarsson humorously added, "If things go as planned, I'll be available for children's birthday parties and family entertainment." The transplant team is focused on his treatment and recovery, with further consultations planned to determine the best course of action for his facial reconstruction.
Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.