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Brave 17-year-old Chris Shanks beats rare cancer
WHEN a lump on his shoulder turned out to be a rare form of cancer, 17-year-old Chris Shanks said the consultant's words did not really sink in.
That was in March this year.
Now he has been given the all-clear after a series of operations, one of which to remove the muscle from his left shoulder to his neck which had become invaded by the cancer.
"I can only do a one-sided shrug now, but that's not something that's going to stop me getting through life," said Chris, of Little Beck Road, Bridlington.
He said it was important for people to understand that having cancer does not mean you will not survive.
Despite skin grafts and operations, Chris said one of the worst things was the reaction of friends and others when he told them it was cancer.
He said: "Their jaws always dropped to the floor and they don't know what to say. People automatically assume you are a gonner and that is not the case.
"Doctors can do some amazing things.
"When I knew about it, Jade Goody was in the news so I suppose people thought it was going to be the same for me."
However, the former Bridlington School student – who is now in his second year at Scarborough College sixth form studying maths, physics and psychology – said: "When you know you have cancer a lot of things go through you mind.
"I did have one or two downer days, but you just have to get on with it."
He was helped by his family – mum Ann, 39, and his two sisters, Chantelle, 13, and Catherine, 14.
"In fact, if there is anyone in the same situation and around my age who would like to talk to me about it I would be happy to do so.
"The doctors are great but it's not like talking to someone your own age," said Chris.
His cancer, pilomatrixical carcinoma, is so rare the chance of getting it is only about one in 14 million.
"Probably about the same as winning the lottery twice," said Chris.
The problem began 18 months ago when the lump on his shoulder was removed and found to be benign.
Then it returned, this time it proved to be cancerous.
He got the all clear last month, and to celebrate the family bought him a puppy.
"I called is Scar, in memory of all the scars I now have.
"He is a kind of symbol for me that you can beat cancer and life goes on," said Chris.
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Weather for Bridlington
Friday 25 May 2012
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