A SINGLE mum-of-two who has been given the devastating news that her cancer has returned is hoping to make memories with her children as she faces the disease for the third time.

Rachel Thomson, from Padgate, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2015 when she was 40.

She had experienced irregular periods but put this down to stress. When they continued, Rachel decided to visit her GP as she lost both her mum and grandma to ovarian cancer.

Following an abnormal CA 125 test, she was sent for a scan which revealed a tumour in her ovaries.

She had a full hysterectomy and started chemotherapy but the cancer had already spread into her lymph nodes.

Rachel showed a good response to the treatment but in March 2017 was told the cancer had returned.

Doctors told Rachel that she could live with the cancer and manage it with treatment and medication.

She enjoyed a summer holiday with her children, Samuel, 10 and Eve, seven, this year but when she returned home, she began to experience bad vertigo.

A scan revealed devastating news for Rachel and she is now receiving radiotherapy every day at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Throughout her illness Rachel continued to work when she could but is no longer able to drive. This has had a big financial strain on Rachel's life and she relies on friends and family to look after Samuel and Eve

She said: "I push myself as much as possible, I try to be positive and upbeat for my children.

"I have told Samuel and Eve that mummy isn't feeling well and that I will lose my hair again.

"I want other young women to be more aware of the symptoms as they can offer be dismissed for IBS or ignored."

Rachel, her dad and two children are big Warrington Wolves fans and the family have renewed their season tickets this year. Samuel also plays rugby for Woolston Rovers.

Rachel's friend Becky Baker has set up a justgiving page to help the family's alleviate financial pressures as Rachel looks to redecorate the house.

Becky wrote: "Prior to her diagnosis Rachel was a keen fundraiser particularly for cancer charities and 'go fund me' as this has always been close to her heart following the passing of her amazing mum from cancer.

"I am eager to return the favour and raise some money to support Rachel through this period and hopefully allow some spare money to make some lasting memories with her beautiful children'.

Since Rachel's bedroom is currently in the attic conversion of her house, she is finding it harder to access it up two flights of stairs.

The rooms need changing round to make it more comfortable for everyone.

Rachel said: "If the doctors are treating me then maybe something can be done and while there is hope from them, I can be hopeful."

You can read Rachel's full story here and donate www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachthomson?utm_id=107&utm_term=D8zNGyEmz&fbclid=IwAR3ke8WmBFcXpfY_aSifRq1T-sJ9IZSAGZ8PnB6SpWg7u75_b7G2Pn9B-ts

The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

  • feeling constantly bloated
  • a swollen tummy
  • discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area
  • feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite
  • needing to wee more often or more urgently than normal

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

  • persistent indigestion or nausea
  • pain during sex
  • a change in your bowel habits
  • back pain
  • bleeding – particularly after the menopause
  • feeling tired all the time
  • unintentional weight loss