MP Vanilla Server Missing Builds after 1.8 transfer

So, once the new update (I know its old now) was released, I happily transferred my server into 1.8 and I had no issues.

However.....Once my friend and I logged onto the world, we realized that although our first little house was still somewhat in tact, 98% of our other builds (around 3 giant castles and 8 other buildings) were completely gone. In place of where most of the buildings were, there is now a desert (It used to be plains) and not only is there a desert there, but half of the salvaged building is missing as well, so theres just a gap in the wall.

You're probably wondering by now if I had a back up and I'm extremely angry and sad to say that I did not, not one single bit of my server had a back up, and now I really wish I took the time to have one 😞

By now, we have already given up on trying to recover any of our lost builds, but I just wanted to recheck hoping there might have been something I missed. I mean we spent at least 6 months building up to everything, and to give up just makes it seem extremely sad (I might be over dramatizing).

I heard that the world center may have changed and I was wondering if that may have been the cause or if it was simply just corrupted chunks, either way, I really hope this is salvageable.

If you know anything, or can link me to anything that might help, please let me know! I know it's a long shot, but I really have nothing to lose if it's risky! I just want my world back! 😞