'Fight for it now': Terminally-ill mother urges women to get checked for ovarian cancer
Mother-of-two Tina Potts has urged women to get checked after she was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer and doctors told her she had just a 30% chance of surviving to Christmas.
"I think I knew that, though. But it's ok. Because I have memory boxes and photos," said Tina to Virgin Media News as she struggled to hold back tears.
Tina, who is 40, and partner Johnny Harris have been forced to bring their wedding forward as result of her diagnosis.
"We always put it off. 'We'll do it next year, we'll next do it next year,' but... there is no next year."
Tina's cancer was diagnosed at a late stage due to her unusual symptoms which included bloating, fatigue, bowel changes, and a build-up of fluid in her abdomen.
"If you've got concerns, if you have worries, if any of the symptoms sound familiar, get a pelvic exam, have an ultrasound done and get a CA125 test done. Just for your peace of mind," said Tina.
"And even if your doctor says, 'look, you're being a bit dramatic here, I think you have a cold' - that doesn't matter.
"Fight for it now. Do it now. No matter what age you are. Do it now because if you don't, and you just trust what they say, and assume that they know best... you can't go back.
"All those symptoms... if we had only known then what we know now, we wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have to be doing up my own will, or sorting out a funeral."
Tina and Johnny are due to marry tomorrow on Daffodil Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of cancer and its symptoms.
Some, but not all symptoms of ovarian cancer
See www.cancer.ie for more details.
