I was worried that my 15-year-old daughter would be pregnant

MUM Angela Ienco was furious when her 15-year-old daughter's netball coach pointed to her swollen belly and asked her if she might be pregnant.

But when she took Giovanna to the doctor, the news was much worse, because her "baby hump" was actually a 10 kg tumor.

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As a result of her operation in May 2012, the teenager was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Now Angela, from Mildura, Australia, is eternally tormented by the feeling that she should have spotted the warning signs earlier.

She shares a heartbreaking letter with her deceased daughter who was taken "too soon" …

Dear Giovanna,

My sweet, sparkling girl. A typical teen, you had to make your hair perfect, otherwise it's hell to pay!

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But even at 14 you were so generous, Giovanna. Your father, Fred, and I had always taught you and your little brother, Nando, then 12, to be nice and to say that there was no greater gift than giving.

This Christmas, you loved choosing the ideal press kit for your loved ones. "You're right mom, it's better to give than to receive," you told me.

Then, in May, I was waiting for you to finish your netball training when your coach arrived.

"Is Giovanna pregnant?" She asked awkwardly.

What is going on? She is only a child! I was fuming inside.

Looking at you on the ground, your stomach has however protruded under your top.

You've always had a little pot belly. But you have been so tired recently too. I'll tell you if you're busy at school.

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You were my world, Giovanna. How would I not have noticed?

"Honey, can my mom feel your belly?" I asked softly that night.

Putting my hands on your belly, I felt like a five-month baby bump, rock-hard.

Could you really be pregnant? I worried, imagining the worst. And if you had been badaulted?

You became angry and I did not want to overwhelm you. "We'll go to the doctor tomorrow," I calmed down.

The next day, I quietly asked the doctor to do a pregnancy test, and then we were sent directly for an ultrasound.

As the wand slid down your stomach, the sonograph sounded worried.

"I need you to go to the hospital now. His ovary is about the size of a football, "he said.

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"Everything will be fine," I told you, minimizing.

A specialist said that it looked like a cyst. Still, they did tests to be sure.

A few days later, while I was preparing dinner, a doctor rang.

"We need you here at 9 o'clock," he said. My heart sank.

At the hospital, you were transported to the theater where a 10 kg tumor and one of your ovaries were removed.

Then, it's as if you had given birth. An angry scar similar to a caesarean section ran along your pubic bone and your stomach was flat.

You were delighted with your cup, Giovanna! We were just as happy when we were allowed to take you home a week later.

It was short lived though. Two days later, you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

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"Six rounds of chemotherapy and you will come back to play netball," said your oncologist.

You were 15 a few weeks later, my precious daughter. The same day, you had your first round of chemotherapy.

Fifteen days later, we organized a birthday party with all your friends. You were so weak but pushed through, and in your little black dress you were beautiful.

"It was the best night of my life!"

Your face was shining with happiness, darling. How I wanted to freeze this moment.

Two weeks later, you were brought back to the hospital in agony. Terrifying, your belly has started to grow again too.

You have had another round of chemotherapy, but your "hump" has continued to swell until you look nine months pregnant.

I even had to buy a size 20 pajama pants.

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Still, you always thought of others. "We are going darling, but you have to improve first," I said.

After two awful weeks and a new chemotherapy session, the doctors sat down your father and me.

"Giovanna's organs are closing," we were told.

They could not do anything to save you, darling. And we had no more weeks or months with you. Just days.

Dad and I were crushed, but we have a brave face for you. The word "dying" was banned – we did not want you to be afraid.

The next day, you were sedated to relieve your pain. When I went to bed with you, I wrapped you in my arms and fell asleep.

In the morning, Dad took my place, then your little brother is snuggled against you.

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"Go darling, fly with the angels," I sobbed, making your last breath just after noon.

It was so peaceful, Giovanna. But losing you, baby, broke my heart. It was less than three months since you were diagnosed.

It's you who inspired me to continue. A few months after your death, your voice guiding me, I launched a charity called Giovanna's Gift.

Six years later, we raised over £ 27,518 ($ 50,000) for Ovarian Cancer Research and Ronald McDonald House, as you wish. There is even a room named in your honor.

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You've been kidnapped too soon, beautiful girl. But I know you would like me to share your story to spare our pain to other families.

Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer. If we knew the signs and planes detected earlier, we might have saved you.

You will always be my best gift, Giovanna.

With all my love,

Mum

This article was originally published on Kidspot and has been reprinted on News.com.au with permission.

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