A terminally-ill bride due to get married today has made an emotional appeal to women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Mum-of-two Tina Potts believes not enough is known about the deadly disease, which she describes as a “silent killer”.
She will tie the knot with fiance Johnny Harris today after the couple decided to bring forward their wedding.
The ceremony was arranged in just three weeks with help from generous supporters.
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Tina, from Wicklow town, said: “We always put it off – we’ll do it next year, we’ll do it next year. But there is no next year.”
The 40-year-old has been given a 30% chance of living until Christmas.
Her cancer was diagnosed at a late stage because of unusual symptoms, which included fatigue, bloating, bowel changes and a build-up of fluid in her abdomen.
Speaking to Virgin Media News yesterday about the time she has left, Tina said: “It’s OK because I have memory boxes and photos.
“If you’ve got concerns, if you’ve got worries, if any of the symptoms sound familiar, get a pelvic exam.
“Have an ultrasound done and get a CA 125 test, just for your peace of mind.
“And even if your doctor says, ‘Look, you’re being a bit dramatic here you know, I think you have a
cold’, that doesn’t matter. Fight for it now, do it now. And no matter what age you are, do it now because if you don’t, if you trust what they say and assume they know best, you can’t go back.”
Coincidentally, Tina and Johnny’s wedding is taking place on Daffodil Day, which aims to raise cancer awareness.
And she said if her situation can encourage one other woman to get checked out, she will be happy.
Tina added: “All those symptoms – if we just had have known then what we know now we wouldn’t be here.
“And I wouldn’t have to be doing up my own will or sorting out a funeral.”
- Today is Daffodil Day so buy a flower to help raise vital funds to support cancer patients and their families across Ireland. See cancer.ie for details.
