First diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July 2000, she went into remission for eight years before her symptoms returned last February.

After a second round of chemotherapy, she is now back in remission _ and determined to enjoy every day of her "bonus time".

"It's remarkable, really, to think I've done so well," Petera said.

"But I'm stubborn and I'm determined."

Petera was speaking to The Courier to publicise Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week from February 24 to March 2, which will include Teal Ribbon Day on February 25.

After suffering "over-riding" fatigue and gastric upsets for four years, a gastroscopy in 2000 revealed a huge mass in Petera's abdomen, which turned out to be a large tumour on each ovary.

Immediate surgery and a bout of chemotherapy followed, which Petera was told would give her an extra 18 months to two years.

However, after going into remission, Petera spent eight years enjoying her hobbies of calligraphy, the theatre, music, Probus and her garden.

But in February last year, a CA125 blood test showed her cancer had returned, but this time it had spread to her liver and a lymph node as well.

Petera has just finished her chemotherapy, which unfortunately had worse side-effects than first time around, including problems with walking.

"I'm still weak, still recovering. I have some pain and some other side-effects, but I'm getting stronger every day.

"Eventually I'm going to get better," she vowed.

"I'm determined, I'm stubborn, I'm reasonably positive. I have to accept it and move on and do what I can to make it better."

* The Ballarat Ovarian Cancer Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Sebastopol Bowling Club annexe. For further information, contact Melanie on 5341 2977 or Petera on 5331 4194. Visit the the website for Ovarian Cancer Australia is www.ovariancancer.net.au