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Titanium and Tenacity: Carolyn Buffington’s Journey of Strength and Recovery

In May 2023, Carolyn Buffington’s life took an unexpected turn. After a routine 3-mile hike, she was faced with a diagnosis that would forever change her path, leiomyosarcoma of the distal femur. Within weeks, Carolyn underwent a groundbreaking procedure: her cancerous femur, along with the top of her tibia, was replaced with 18 inches of titanium in what is known as a “megaprosthesis.”

The surgery was nothing short of remarkable. Carolyn’s recovery has been just as impressive, marked by both physical and emotional strength. As she reflects on her journey, she describes her long, jagged scar as a “badge of honor,” a visible reminder of her triumph over adversity. It’s a scar she wears proudly, choosing not to hide it, but to embrace it as a symbol of resilience.

The Challenge of Rebuilding

Learning to walk again with “bionic” bones, altered musculature, and damaged nerves wasn’t easy. Carolyn notes, “We take our bodies for granted until they no longer function as expected. I no longer take anything for granted.” The challenge of regaining her mobility was humbling. It required persistence, patience, and a renewed understanding of her body’s strength.

Physical therapy played a pivotal role in her recovery. Carolyn emphasizes, “The key to a good outcome is physical therapy. Lots and lots of physical therapy. Every day. Probably for the rest of your life.” What began as a difficult process soon became something she truly enjoyed. “My favorite part of the day is the time I spend working out, what a gift to be able to move.” With time, she was able to return to one of her greatest passions: hiking. The feeling of lacing up her boots and hitting the trails again was nothing short of exhilarating.

Emotional Recovery: The Unseen Journey

While physical healing was a monumental achievement, Carolyn also faced the emotional toll that comes with such a life-changing surgery. Limb loss is not just a physical change; it’s a transformation that affects one’s sense of mobility, activity, relationships, and vulnerability. But, through this process, Carolyn found a new perspective on life.

“There is a new sense of appreciation for all things, a sense of gratefulness,” she says. “I am more compassionate towards myself and others because of my experience.” This emotional growth has been just as powerful as her physical recovery.

A Call for Connection

Carolyn also recognizes that she’s part of a small but growing community of individuals with “megaprosthetic” limbs. While each person’s journey is unique, she believes there is immense value in finding peer support. “I hope that the Limb Preservation Foundation can help us to find each other,” she shares. “No one can offer better support to another than a peer.”

Carolyn’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through challenges, both physical and emotional, she has emerged stronger, more resilient, and more appreciative of life’s simple joys. Her journey is a reminder to never take our bodies, or the ability to move, for granted and that with determination and support, we can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

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