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Take part in Walk 100 Miles in October for young people with cancer 💙
Lindsay’s daughter Abbie was 17 when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. She was treated by Teenage Cancer Trust’s Clinical Nurse Specialist Amanda.
Lindsay said: “When they told us that she had cancer I was in shock. We didn’t know anyone her age with cancer. She had just applied for university and had everything to look forward to.
“The doctor explained that Abbie would probably need an amputation. I was devasted and I didn’t know how to tell her. She was in so much pain and every time she had to be moved it was agony for her, and I didn’t want to give her additional bad news. She took it really well; much better than I did.
“I felt robbed. She was my young, fit, clever 17-year-old with dreams of becoming a vet and I didn’t know if she could still do that. But there’s nothing holding her back. She said: ’I’m not going to let an amputation stop me doing anything in life’.
“It was so hard to see the effects of chemo on her. She was regularly sick and in so much pain. It was so difficult to watch, and I wish I could have taken that pain away from her.
“Amanda was really supportive of not only Abbie but the rest of the family too. She would call me regularly and really help to alleviate my fears and reassure me. I was so worried while Abbie was in surgery as I feared that Abbie was all for having the amputation but that she might regret it afterwards. Amanda knew that I would be worrying, and she called me and reassured me. That really helped me get through those difficult hours while I was just waiting for her to come out of surgery.
“Amanda has also introduced Abbie to other young people with cancer through peer-to-peer events. She’s going on a residential trip soon too and that will be really beneficial for her.
"Abbie is so determined. She’s checked and as long as she can restrain an animal, she can still be a vet. She was an avid cyclist and now she’s joined a gym to build up her strength again and she’s loving spin classes.
“She’s also helping other people who are due to have amputations or who have had them and are struggling. She’s always enjoyed helping people and I’m glad that this has made her more determined than ever to help others".

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