This month has been a total rollercoaster! From the joy of getting engaged to the heartbreak of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

I’ve got a germ cell tumor, which is common in 15-30-year-olds, though it can happen later too. These tumors usually start in the ovaries or testicles. I had surgery to check them out, and mine are classed as giant! But there’s good news: they usually shrink with chemo, which I’ll be starting soon.

To prep for chemo, I’ll be shaving my head this week and donating my hair to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for kids with cancer. If I’m gonna lose it, someone else can use it!

I’ve also reached out to charities for support. The Robin Cancer Trust has been amazing, calling to check in on me and sending a ‘Thriver Box’ full of goodies to help with chemo. Pics of the box are in this post!

The Robin Cancer Trust focuses on germ cell tumors like mine. They spread awareness, offer a community forum, and support people with this rare cancer. I want to raise money for them so more people can get a ‘Thriver Box’ before starting chemo. Each box costs £25.

Please donate through my JustGiving page, as little or as much as you can. The fundraiser is open for the next three weeks. I’ll update you after my head shave and when the Little Princess Trust receives my hair donation!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-macgillivray-1722177608542?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Falex-macgillivray-1722177608542&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

At the bottom of this post, I’ve included signs of ovarian cancer. They can be typical of many illnesses, making diagnosis tough. I was lucky to notice my unusual bloating/constipation and see a doctor right away. I caught it early before it spread!

Take a minute to learn the signs and symptoms. It probably isn’t and hopefully isn’t cancer, but it’s worth getting checked out. ❤️