Finding Joy in the Journey

By Tracie Foster

For years, Suzanne Boyce struggled with Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), a narrowing of arteries in her legs, which significantly reduced blood flow to her lower extremities. This disease turned even the simplest tasks, like walking, into a source of excruciating pain that overshadowed her daily life.  

“I could not even sleep in my bed because of the pain in my legs. My daughter, Denise, would have to help me walk to the recliner every night just so I could get some rest and relief,” Suzanne recalls.

The turning point in Suzanne’s journey came in 2021 when her vascular surgeon recognized the severity of her condition and referred her to Dr. John Sonfield, a McLeod General Surgeon with Pee Dee Surgical Group. After a thorough examination, it became clear that several of her toes needed to be removed due to the lack of blood flow caused by the disease. This procedure marked the beginning of a series of difficult decisions that lay ahead for Suzanne. 

By April 2023, her condition had worsened, leading her and Dr. Sonfield to the tough decision of amputating her right leg.

Just three months later, in July, Suzanne found herself in yet another difficult conversation with Dr. Sonfield. 

“He entered the exam room, took a seat in front of us, and began to explain the seriousness of the situation, indicating we were likely heading toward surgery to remove Mom’s left leg,” Denise remembers. “After carefully outlining both the pros and cons, Dr. Sonfield emphasized that the decision was ultimately up to my mom. He never treated it as something being done to her but rather a choice she had to make for herself.”

“Informing a patient that they require surgery resulting in amputation is an incredibly challenging task,” said Dr. Sonfield. “It is not just about communicating the technical aspects of the procedure, it is also about having a meaningful conversation that recognizes the emotional and physical impact this life-altering decision will have. My goal is to create an environment where my patients feel heard and supported, ensuring they understand the process and know they are not alone on this journey.”

As Suzanne listened, she took a moment to process everything. “I remember sitting there for a few minutes, taking in all that had just been said,” she reflects. “So many thoughts flooded my mind. This disease was worsening, and I knew it could make me very sick if I did not have the surgery. I felt fear - not just of having another operation, but of the unknown. I had already lost one leg and now I was facing the reality of losing another.” 

In that moment of uncertainty, Suzanne gathered her courage, turned to Dr. Sonfield and asked, “Is it time?” 

His response was clear, “Yes, Mrs. Boyce, it’s time.” 

As soon as those words were uttered, something shifted within Suzanne. The fear that was once overwhelming now faded, replaced with a newfound sense of peace and acceptance. “After that, there was no more hesitation. I knew if Dr. Sonfield believed this was the best course of action, then it was the right choice for me,” she shares.

The road to recovery was not without its hurdles. However, despite these challenges, Suzanne now embraces a renewed sense of joy. Reflecting on her experiences, she encourages others considering similar surgeries to trust their healthcare providers. “From day one, I felt Dr. Sonfield truly had my best interests at heart. I knew he would not recommend these surgeries unless they were absolutely necessary,” she explains. 

Today, with the shadows of pain and limitation behind her, Suzanne gets around in her electric wheelchair, embracing every moment with a smile. “Some may see my circumstances and my reliance on a wheelchair as reasons for pity, or think my life is difficult,” shares Suzanne. 

“But the truth is, my life is better now. I am happy and have no regrets!”

Suzanne’s journey reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, there is always a path to joy. Her story is not about loss of limbs, it is about transformation, strength and the unwavering spirit to rise above life’s trials. Through her experience she inspires others to find hope and to trust in their ability to create a fulfilling life, no matter what obstacles they may face.