A teenager had to have his leg amputated after his cancer returned while he was completing the treatment for his initial bout of the disease. Fraser Reid, from Hamilton, began experiencing stabbing pains and feeling like someone was "crushing" his leg when he was just 17 in 2021.
He was then given the heartbreaking news that he had Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, Glasgow Live reports.
Fraser underwent surgery to have the tumour removed and have a full femur and knee replacement. This left him stuck in bed with a knee brace for 12 weeks.
The teenager explained: "On April 21, 2021, after months of having a sore knee with growing pains, stabbing pains, and feeling of someone crushing my leg, I was diagnosed with cancer.
"Within the first week, I was sent for a biopsy and was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma osteo-type - bone cancer.
"After being diagnosed in the blink of an eye, I met the full team on my case. I was introduced to my consultants, and clinical nurse specialists from the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit based at the Beatson in Glasgow.
"After my initial surgery, my leg was in a straight knee brace for 12 weeks so I could leave bed, this and the fact I had to have jags every day affected my head a lot and after I was released from the hospital, I got an infection and was readmitted for 10 days.
"I was really, low, tired, and not in a good space but tried to never let it show or get to me, as much as I could."
Even after the surgery, Fraser continued to undergo chemotherapy and was in treatment during his 18th birthday. By the end of January 2022, chemotherapy had finished and the teenager was on preventative treatment at least once a week.
However, it was at this point that he began experiencing pain in his knee again, in the same spot where the previous tumour was. An MRI confirmed the devastating news that the cancer had returned.
Fraser continued: "Almost exactly one year after getting told I had cancer, I was told it had recurred and chemo was not a option.
"I cracked a joke to try and lighten the mood but I had had a strong feeling for months that it was back. I was told that surgery and possibly amputation was the only option.
"After hearing this I was more worried to tell my 11-year-old brother it was back than I was about surgery. I had to have other scans to check that it had not spread anywhere else and once this was confirmed, in May this year, I had my amputation.
"Because of where the tumour was my amputation is just at my thigh. Life since amputation is not fun, it's torture everyday with phantom pains which are tormenting because nothing seems to help."
To aid Fraser in his recovery, family and friends are fundraising to help him get the best prosthetic leg possible. They will be taking on a sponsored walk up Tinto Hill to raise funds for the Beatson.
Meanwhile, close pal Storm Mclintock will be holding a charity night in a bid to raise funds to help with his recovery.
Fraser said: "Being told Storm was doing this fundraiser really lifted my spirits and I was filled with happiness. Storm, my best friend has always been supportive of me, all my friends have, but the determination from Storm to get me the best leg possible is heartwarming.
"Him and my friend's mum Lorraine (Lainy) Collins have set up a fundraiser night and GoFundMe to raise as much money for the best leg possible.
"It's made me realise everyone is always willing to help no matter who or what the situation is, half the people don’t know me and are giving amazing prizes or donations for me and I couldn’t be more grateful."
Fraser's cousin Lauren Clark will also be taking on a sponsored cycle around Millport to contribute to the fund.
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