After 3 months of intensive chemo it was more bad news, she had to have her right leg amputated above the knee as the tumour had spread too far. Through all this, Shannon had hope and all the medical staff at Addenbrookes were wonderful. After another 6 months of chemotherapy, Shannon was discharged and started to rebuild her life.

Shannon was very sporty before she was diagnosed and losing her leg limited what she could do.  She was determined to find a sport she could do and after trying several at the Amputee Games, hosted by Limbpower, she learnt to ride a bike again with the only adaption being the foot of her prosthetic leg fixed to the pedal.  She enjoyed riding as it gave her a real sense of freedom and made her feel ‘normal’.

In June 2011, after a routine check, we heard the dreadful news that the cancer had come back in her lung. More chemo followed, and the lower section of her left lung was removed at Papworth Hospital. After more chemotherapy she left Addenbrookes just before Christmas 2011. Shannon had the most wonderful 2012, meeting lots of brilliant people through the Bone Cancer Research Trust, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Limbpower. She travelled to wonderful places and even went on a cruise thanks to ‘Make a Wish’.

Unfortunately, in early 2013 the cancer returned this time in the 3rd vertebrae of her neck. Another big operation followed where the vertebrae was replaced by bone from her hip. As the cancer was in her spine it could not be removed completely from the soft tissue and she was treated with chemotherapy and radiation for several months to try and keep the cancer at bay.

In April 2014, the cancer came back with a vengeance in both lungs and Shannon sadly passed away on 13th August 2014, aged 19, at home surrounded by her family and friends.

She died just 5 years short of being diagnosed and had very little chance of survival due to the late diagnosis and the fact that treatment for primary bone cancer has not fundamentally changed in over 3 decades.