Laura was diagnosed 19 weeks into her first pregnancy.
In Laura's case the pregnancy had contributed in masking her symptoms of cancer. She was diagnosed with a Molar pregnancy (where a lump of abnormal cells had grown inside the womb instead of a healthy foetus). This is her story…
'Prior to my 12 week scan, the nausea, aversions to food and severe sickness made me think that I could be suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum and I went along with the general view that morning sickness comes as part and parcel of pregnancy, so I really didn’t think too much of it. A few days before my 12 week scan I was extremely sick all day and couldn't leave my house. There was a slight niggle in the back of my mind that this might not be normal, but with my scan a few days later I decided that I would query it when I was there. I had also developed very tiny pimples all over my chest. I think this may have been a reaction to the high hormone level because once my levels started to lower these disappeared.
I was diagnosed with a Complete Molar Pregnancy and unfortunately it was not going away on its own. A lump of abnormal cells had grown inside the womb instead of a healthy foetus. Initially, I was very positive. I was thinking very rationally and was very reassured that it was 100% curative. I had treatment, but unfortunately, as my hormone levels began to rise again I struggled with my emotions and began to suffer from anxiety which was beginning to take a hold and I took medication to help. I just couldn’t believe how unlucky I had been.
I know that I am very lucky to have an extremely supportive network of family and friends. For me, work was my normality and a huge part of helping me get through the difficult times. I worked part time hours, but having a routine and something to get up for really helped.
Mummy's Star makes such a difference because you don't feel so alone during such an awful time. I was also eligible for a grant from Mummy’s Star which I was very grateful for too. I was lucky that I felt well enough to carry on working during my illness and treatment, but this grant went towards car hire, meals, parking and so it was a big help.
If I’m completely honest I simply can’t believe the events of last year. I do have moments where it just pops into my mind and it seems like someone else’s life. Did that really happen to me? I am thankful to think that way and not dwell on the situation. Yes, I still worry over whether we will be lucky enough to start a family and what if I might relapse (the wait for results never gets any easier!), but I’m trying to remain as positive as I can. I’m writing 2017 off as a bad year, putting it behind me and trying to move forward with my life.
The things I used to take for granted I truly relish now.'
Laura x