'He waited until everyone had come to say their goodbyes for the day': Boy who lost leg to rare cancer dies
A Sydney boy who lost his leg after being diagnosed with a rare cancer has died.
Chandler Tran, eight, passed away last week, his family said.
Tran, from Fairfield East in Sydney's west, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, also widely described as bone cancer.
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Chandler after his recent surgery to remove his leg due to cancer. Supplied
It's a rare cancer which usually grows on the longer bones in the body, such as in the legs, and affects only a few dozen children a year.
His father spoke out to raise awareness of the disease after doctors at Westmead Children's Hospital broke the terrible news.
Despite chemotherapy, he couldn't be saved.
"Chandler chose to leave us peacefully in his sleep at 2am on Friday 25th November, 2022," his dad said.
Chandler Tran, eight, passed away last week, his family said. Supplied
"He waited until everyone had come to say their goodbyes for the day, and then for mummy to go to sleep before taking his final little breath.
"We already miss him so much.
"Staying true to the Chandler we all knew and loved, he made sure everyone else was OK first.
"Fly high little angel and may you rest in peace️."
Leg amputated to stop pain
Tran was diagnosed with cancer after developing a pea-sized lump on his knee around Easter time.
The cancer also spread to his lungs.
Despite chemotherapy, the tumours progressed.
A few months ago his parents, Cong, 42, and Trang, 41, had to make the tough choice to amputate his leg, as he was in so much pain.
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Chandler Tran (left) with parents Cong and Trang, and brother Carson. Supplied
"Chandler chose to leave us peacefully in his sleep at 2am on Friday 25th November, 2022," his dad said. Supplied
Before the upsetting surgery, Chandler's dad helped him with an emotional request.
"He said: 'Can you take a photo of my leg on my tablet?'" Trang Tran told nine.com.au
"He drew a little love heart over his leg and wrote a little message.
"He wrote: 'Dear leg, I'll miss you so much when you're gone, love Chandler.'
"He was sad about the prospect of losing his leg, but he was like, 'If that's what I need to do to not have pain, then that's okay.'"
Before the amputation, Mr Tran helped his son with an emotional request - saying goodbye to his leg. Supplied
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Tran later went home to be with his parents, and six-year-old brother Carson.
He got to play with his beloved LEGO, and "made some wonderful memories," his dad said.
But in the past few weeks he had to return to hospital and died last Friday.
His family is planning the funeral, which will include a chapel service and burial.
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