Marine Makes Hard Choice, Amputate Leg

Barely able to walk, injured Marine decides to have leg amputated 
The Wilson Daily Times, N.C. (Tribune News Service)
By Lisa Boykin Batts
Published: January 26, 2015

The consensus among Duncan’s medical team now is the infection did more damage than the body can heal.

In this Sept. 14, 2013 file photo, U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Duncan Mathis, right, is greeted by his mother, Theresa Mathis, as he finishes the Run for the Fallen 5K/Half-Marathon at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Mathis was wounded in action during a deployment to Afghanistan, falling 75 feet and breaking his legs, ankles and right arm. BRITTAIN CROLLEY/U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO

(Tribune News Service) — Lance Cpl. Duncan Mathis said it was an easy decision to amputate the lower portion of his left leg.

"I don’t have a doubt in my mind,” the Beddingfield High School graduate said. "I want to live my life as a 21-year-old.”

In recent months, it was getting harder and harder for Duncan to do the things he wanted to do and to live an active lifestyle. He was in tremendous pain and had decreasing mobility. In June, he was able to run in a brace, said his mother, Theresa. 

By November, he was barely walking. Duncan’s problems stem from a May 2013 incident in Afghanistan.

He fell 75 feet down an unmarked well while on a nighttime mission with his unit. He fractured both legs and ankles as well as his shoulder and arm. He also suffered a traumatic brain injury.
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