NUH News Summer edition

13
SpotlightOn
Living with it,
running with it
Ovarian cancer can’t stop Isabel from leading a full life
‘It’s a lot do with your frame of mind’
said 48-year-old Isabel Colton when
asked how she maintains a normal
life, despite undergoing successive
chemotherapy treatments and radical
surgery since being diagnosed with
ovarian cancer in 2010.
It’s a frame of mind that gave her the
determination to compete in this year’s 5K
Race for Life event this Summer, only a few
months after completing her most recent
course of chemo.
Isabel has had three major operations and
three courses of chemo to date, but is
determined to take every opportunity to
enjoy life.
She has recurrent cancer, which means that
she will require ongoing treatment with
regular chemo in the future.
“I’m fortunate that I’ve always been a
positive thinker. Cancer is just one of the
things I’ve faced in my life. It sounds like
a cliché, but it does make you appreciate
life more. I’ve got cancer permanently
which means that I’ll always need chemo;
it will always be difficult; it will always be
emotional. But for me that’s a reason to
make the most of the times I feel well.”
When Isabel started to train for the race
earlier this year she had no idea if she would
be capable of walking the course, let alone
running alongside thousands of women
fundraising for cancer research.
“I thought – if I’m going to do this I’m
going to run it. I started by jogging just a
few metres at a time while out on walks.
Gradually I built up to a point where I was
running reasonable distances without
needing to stop.
“When the day of the race came I had
my friends beside me as well as my
family cheering me on in the crowd. The
experience was inspirational and made me
feel normal and well.
“But just two weeks after the run I felt the
familiar pains in my abdomen and booked
in for an extra appointment and blood
test. The cancer has spread to further areas
and I’m starting another course of chemo
which will last about six months. Right now
I’m looking forward to June 2017. Even if I
have to walk the course or just cheer on the
other women, I’ll be at the race.”
Isabel raised £1,765 for Cancer Research
taking part in this year’s Race for Life event
at Victoria Embankment in Nottingham.