I’m flying high again cancer victim in return to the skies

Alex de Vos
After an emotional rollercoaster ride, Torquay’s Nicole Paterson is confident she’s won her battle with cancer.
The only battle the courageous 22-year-old now faces is fatigue during her long working shifts up in the air as a Jetstar flight attendant.
Ms Paterson has returned to work on domestic routes and is now eyeing a career flying internationally with her employer.
Ms Paterson, who captivated the region when she appeared in the public spotlight last year to reveal her battle for life, was diagnosed with cervical cancer last March. She spent a year off work undergoing treatment and recovering from her life-threatening ordeal.
Almost a year later the local beauty is back on her feet and feeling great.
“I went back to work three weeks ago,” Ms Paterson told the Independent.
“I’ve been able to slip back into it fairly easily which is great but I do get quite exhausted.
“It’s so good to get back into it and get a bit of routine and normality back in my life.”
Ms Paterson said she was “shocked” when she received her diagnosis because she had not suffered apparent symptoms of cervical cancer.
“I was just going for my regular pap smear and it came back with abnormalities,” she said.
“I was shocked.”
Ms Paterson underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, which have left her infertile.
“I was pretty sick from the side effects of the treatment but I’m all good now,” she said.
Ms Paterson finished treatment in July. She is awaiting doctors’ final all clear from the potentially deadly disease within the next few weeks.
With the support of family and friends, Ms Paterson said she had remained positive throughout her battle with cancer.
“I’m feeling really good about it and I’m confident the treatment was successful,” she said.
“Last year we had a golf day which raised some good money towards IVF and all my medical bills. It was so lovely of the community.
“My family and friends have been amazing – we’re all thinking positively.”