Scott's Story

Doctors made the decision to amputate my leg

As Ewing’s sarcoma is a high-risk cancer – one that is more likely to come back or spread to other parts of the body – doctors made the decision to amputate my leg below the knee. This always seemed the best option because I wanted to leave with my life; leg or no leg. The thought of it reoccurring for the sake of keeping my leg was a risk I wasn’t willing to take.

I needed a six-month course of aggressive chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumour before surgery. After the operation, I was out of hospital four days later.

I needed another high dose of chemotherapy over Christmas, which was the equivalent strength of six doses. This was to destroy any of the remaining cancer cells and stop it from spreading.

People often ask me how I felt during the chemo and surgery, but to be honest. I didn’t really have time to think about what was happening. Everything happened so quickly – you’re just thinking about your next hospital or doctor’s appointment. You don’t have time to think about the bigger picture.

A life-changing experience

I’m so proud and feel gifted that I’ve been able to overcome this devastating disease. Being diagnosed with cancer was a life-changing experience for me and my family. Mum and Dad had to take time off work and my grandparents really helped us out too. But we all pulled together and got through it as a family.

It’s made me who I am today – I wanted to be a pilot when I was younger, but having seen so many medical professionals during my treatment, I wanted to be a part of it. I missed a lot of school, but still achieved good results and I’m now in my third year of medical school.

I may not be able to play rugby anymore, which being a Welshman is a bit of a killer but I play for the Disability Wales sitting volleyball team and have taken part in running events with plenty more to come and I’m looking to take it to the next level.

I want to go on and achieve all I can

Even though being diagnosed with cancer was a massive event in my life, I don’t want it to be the making of me. My concern at the moment is that I want to go on and achieve all that I can. Even though being diagnosed with cancer was a massive event in my life I don’t want it to be the making of me.

I still am reaching for the stars.

Proud mum Elishia says: “When Scott was ill, it was devastating, the worst thing you can imagine. There was a time we thought we were going to lose him, he was so ill. It is just remarkable what he has gone on to achieve and we are all really proud of him.”

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Many of our supporters have been affected by childhood cancer – either through family, friends or their own personal experience. These patient stories can help inspire others to get involved with us, or can support our media work.

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