A teenage boy has had to have his leg amputated after being diagnosed with bone cancer for the second time - almost a year after he was initially diagnosed.
Fraser Reid, from Hamilton, was given the devastating news that he had Osteosarcoma when he was just 17-years-old after months of experiencing stabbing pains and feeling like someone was 'crushing' his leg.
As well as undergoing chemotherapy, Fraser had to have surgery to remove the tumour and underwent a full femur and knee replacement leaving him stuck in bed with a knee brace for 12 weeks.
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Almost a year later to the day that he received his diagnosis, he was given the devastating news that the cancer had reoccured and that amputation was the only option.
Fraser told Glasgow Live: "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.
"I started my first cycle of chemo in May and had some really low and really high times. For 18 to 20 weeks I was in and out doing treatment and from the treatment, I got very sick with side effects like chest infections but I still continued to crack jokes and smile throughout.
"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 on his knee and femur, 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.
Sadly, during this time he began experiencing pain in his knee once again - in the same spot where the previous tumour was. He was eventually sent for an MRI which returned the news that the cancer come back.
Fraser explained: "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 when 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'.
The group will be taking on a sponsored walk up Tinto Hill to raise funds for the Beatson while pal Storm Mclintock will be holding a charity night in a bid to raise funds to help with his recovery.
The teenager added: "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."
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
Fraser's cousin Lauren Clark will also be taking on a sponsored cycle around Millport to contribute to the fund which can be supported here.
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