Janet: Getting Back to Everyday Life after Amputation

A Brief History of the Patient

I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on my right femur and knee cap at the age of 17. The tumor was not shrinking after 4 months of chemo and I made the decision to get it amputated. After finishing 9 more months of treatment, I was invited to play wheelchair basketball at the University of Texas at Arlington. I later transferred to the University of Texas at El Paso to continue my degree in Kinesiology.

The Story Behind an Incident

I’ve been a soccer player since I was 5 years old and I never really got injured throughout all the years I played. My junior year of high school, in the spring soccer season, I felt a pinch of pain around where my meniscus is located. I didn’t really attend to it until the pain progressed and my knee locked to the point that I couldn't bend my leg. I was officially diagnosed with osteosarcoma my senior year also losing my offers to play at a Collegiate level.

Recovery

After my amputation on Feb 8, 2018, I was declared cancer free but had to go through 9 months of additional treatment. I was finally considered in remission on Jan 19, 2019.  I was going to Hanger Clinic after my amputation but I wasn’t progressing well enough to walk, so I learned to do everything with my forearm Crutches. Then, my mom found Eddie through one of her customers (who was one of Eddie’s patients), and Eddie gave me my first walkable prosthetic in December. With this fantastic opportunity, my walking has progressed every day.

Results

I was first made a socket with a strap down the thigh then later a direct socket was designed for me. The direct socket is easier and better to walk on and has strengthened a lot of weak muscles in my leg.

I would recommend Prime Care Prosthetics to people having issues with their current or are in need of a brand new prosthetic. Eddie and his crew always make sure we're 100% good to go and feel comfortable with what they provide.