A mum was left 'devastated' after a growth she discovered while changing her newborn son's nappy turned out to be a rare form of cancer.
Nicole Kerr-Lidell, who lives in Rutherglen, was in the middle of changing then four-week-old Jura when she spotted the unusual lump.
Doctors initially believed the spot to be a benign tumour, however, the family were dealt a massive blow when their month-old son was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a very rare type of soft tissue tumour.
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The mum told Glasgow Live: "When Jura was about four weeks old I was changing his nappy and I noticed a kind of growth.
"The day we noticed it, we took Jura to the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow after being seen by several doctors, we were seen by a surgeon, who thought it was most likely a benign polyp and it was removed within a few days of our first trip to the hospital.
"We were pretty much assured it was nothing too worrying, it was just a bit weird. About three weeks later we had a call from the doctor asking if we could come in which was a bit odd.
"We suspected that it wasn't all according to plan, but were trying to remain positive about the situation.
"Jura was seven weeks at this point, we came in for the appointment and they told us what they thought was a polyp was a rare form of cancer. It was unreal how devastated we were. I don't think words can describe how horrible it was.
"Your mind can kind of expect something wasn't quite right but to actually be told the worst case scenario was beyond devastating."
Following the heartbreaking news, Nicole and her husband, Struan, had to watch as their son underwent weekly treatment to combat the cancer.
Jura began chemotherapy a few days after the diagnosis in mid-October. The parents' lives were left in disarray for months after the news but now the couple feel they are regaining some control.
Nicole explained: "He had weekly chemo for the first seven weeks, then two weeks ago he had surgery to remove the tumour and he's now on chemo every three weeks for the next three months at least.
"When it was weekly chemo treatment it just felt like such a whirlwind, everything was chaotic and it felt like we couldn't keep on top of things.
"There was no routine because once you were settled he'd spike a fever and end up back in hospital. Things are starting to settle down now."
Every young family looks forward to the festive period and the Kerr-Lidell's were no different as they looked forward to spending their first Christmas as a foursome.
However, Jura's illness meant Nicole and her son were constantly in and out of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The 31-year-old said: "Jura had fairly serious surgery to remove the tumour on December 22.
"We were in the hospital till Christmas eve for his recovery. Then the day after boxing day he spiked a fever, meaning he had to go back to hospital to make sure he didn't become dangerously ill.
"He also then had chemo about a week after surgery. So we ended up in hospital until New Year's eve.
"This was obviously not how we expected to spend our first Christmas with Jura . Especially since most of my family had flown out from New Jersey to be with us in Scotland.
"The hospital did everything to try and get us home. We've had a lot of support from organisations and charities through the hospital and they provided food for us so we didn't have to worry about cooking for Christmas.
"The nurses and staff on the ward for children have helped the kids and Jura. They provided gifts for him and Santa was here to visit.
"It wasn't what we were expecting for our first Christmas but we made the most of it."
This harrowing experience for the mum-of-two and her family has been made slightly easier by the kindness of the staff and their fondness of Jura.
The now four-month old has become somewhat of a hit with staff as his cheeky personality provides a shining beacon of hope for his parents during dark times.
Nicole said: "The staff are amazing.
"We have a full team behind us of nurses, dieticians, doctors and support workers that have been supporting us through this and providing Jura with the best care possible.
"We end up on the oncology ward a lot and the nurses just love Jura, he is a little celebrity. He's a happy little soul, full of laughter and smiles for everyone.
"I can't believe how much of a trooper he is."
The veterinary surgeon, who is originally from New Jersey, and her husband, who is an IT Engineer, have been overwhelmed with support. Nicole's mother travelled across the pond and has moved in to provide as much help as possible.
The thankful parent said: "The support we've had from our family has been amazing.
"We wouldn't be surviving without them, my mom has left her life in New Jersey to stay with us here for months to help with Jura's care and make sure we don't crumble under the pressure
"Not only from my family but Struan's mum has been travelling from Campbelltown weekly, doing three hour trips to be here.
"This kind of thing has shown how willing people are to help."
Jura's battle has touched many, including Nicole's colleagues at the PDSA Pet Hospital.
They set up a Just Giving page dedicated to the baby boy called Jura's Army. The thoughtful group look to walk, run and cycle the distance between Glasgow and New Jersey, 3264 miles, this month to raise money for Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children.
When the vet heard about the fundraiser she was amazed.
The Rutherglen mum said: "I was in tears knowing I had my work behind me supporting us. My team is so amazing and I love every one of them.
"I'm on maternity leave at the moment so I've seen some people here and there but it was such a surprise that they'd organised this and how many people were involved.
"It really made me realise how much people cared."
Jura is now due to undergo three months of chemo following the surgery and the family are hopeful that things will be looking up for the young fighter.
Although the experience is the one thing every parent dreads, it has also made Nicole and Struan realise that in times of severe heartache and trauma there are always people there to provide support.
The mum said: "You never expect it to be you.
"You always say you don't know how people cope with it but now we are the people having to cope with it and you do just get on and take it day by day.
"We have really sad days and really good days because he is still a baby that's growing, smiling and getting his first teeth.
"However, it has also shown the good in people. My team stepped up to support us, people I haven't talked to in years sending their thoughts and prayers for Jura over Facebook.
"It's unbelievable that this baby, who is so new to the world has had to go through more than some people go through in their whole lives.
"But it is amazing just how much his journey has brought people together"
To donate to Jura's Army click here
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