ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects and consequences of surgical treatment of patients with musculoskeletal malignancies on everyday life.MethodsA modified form of grounded theory was used for data collection and analysis. Data collection was systematic and analyzed simultaneously and 16 interviews were conducted: 2 narrative, 11 guided and 3 expert interviews (surgeon, physical therapist, support group). Data collection and analysis alternated until no new codes could be found. Once theoretical saturation was achieved, the main category was formed and described using the literature.ResultsThe main category results from the combination of all categories and leads to the core category. In the center is the affected person and in the immediate environment are the patient’s relatives/partners. In the next instance the primary care physician is necessary to establish a sense of normalcy. This depends on the individuality of the person and the restored possibilities of movement.ConclusionBased on the results, the necessity of implementing psychosocial care involving the social environment is shown. The importance of relatives/partners for recovery is emphasized. Furthermore, the communication between the specialists and family physicians should be simplified.Supplementary InformationThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-022-02136-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.