Hello, 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. 

I'm joining Cancer Research UK's Race for Life this year in memory of the most courageous and inspiring girl I have met Kate Bowman. Not only was she one of my best friend, she was my cancer buddy. "Shine bright little fighter, you make the sky brighter." 😇

I promised I would keep on raising awareness, so that is what I will continue to do! 

I was diagnosed in Feb 2011, with germ cell teratoma (ovarian cancer). I was wrongly diagnosed for 2 + years, even though I was persistently visiting the GP. In the end the gp didn't diagnose my cancer. Sitting my driving test did! 

My journey started when I performed an emergency stop on my driving tes. The seatbelt cut into my stomach rupturing the huge mass and causing me unbearable pain. I failed my test of course. This was lucky for me as I would have been out driving my first car unbeknown I had poison going throughout my body. Whilst suffering unbearable pain I visited the gp yet again but without hesitation the gp then told me to go straight to the royal infirmary. They carried out tests but it wasn't until the following day I was given an ultrasound that showed a mass in my abdomen. Still at this point in time no one was aware of what was wrong. I was taken straight to theatre, I was the first one down. It was all a huge shock. To both my family and I. After the operation I was told my abdomen was in a huge mess but they cleared it as much as they could as well as removing my right ovary. I was told the mass looked benign to the human eye. 3 weeks later we received the phone call that no one ever looks forward to. RESULTS! they were early...sitting in the waiting room I felt great, so didn't think much of it. The consultant shouted my name. I was then told I had immature cells within the tumour that had burst. Meaning even the smallest cell could still be living in there given me a higher chance of the cancer spreading. Even though they removed everything as a precaution I was to have 3 months intense chemotherapy. 

There a many signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer some of which are: 

• increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
• persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
• difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous

For me personally having chemotherapy wasn't easy as I am a diva. Everyone is different with which side effects they have and so forth. In the end you just straighten up your upper lip and get on with it, like nothing's changed. 

Life is precious, and without family and friends whilst going through a cancer diagnosis it would have been the hardest thing ever. I am so grateful. The key to every cancer diagnosis is to stay positive. It is the best medicine.

I have met so many beautiful and inspiring friends throughout my journey. I have even met my other half, they do say every cloud has a silver lining and that has been mines most definitely.

So, Please join the fight by digging deep & sponsoring me - it's quick, easy and totally secure.

Events like this are vital in funding Cancer Research UK's life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me, we can unite and create an army that cancer can't ignore. By sponsoring me, we will beat cancer sooner. 

Love always, Nicole x