Placenta tumour: My miracle baby gave me cancer
When Li Li, 43, fell pregnant, the cells of her placenta turned into a cancerous tumour.
By the time Luca was born, it had spread across the new mum's body and her life was in peril.
But thanks to pioneering immunotherapy, doctors managed to save her and she is about to enjoy the festive season with her family cancer-free.
Li Li, who lives with business analyst husband Kevin Guthrie, 58, in Sunderland, said: "We are so looking forward to spending this Christmas together. Now I'm all clear thanks to the amazing treatment I was given, and we can celebrate properly."
The couple were thrilled when Li Li became pregnant early last year, as they had been trying for a family since they wed in 2018.
But after five months Li Li started suffering heavy bleeding. "The doctors told me it was nothing to worry about but a few weeks later I started coughing up blood," she said.
"Then I got shooting pains in my chest. I was told it was pneumonia and given antibiotics."
Then in October last year her lung collapsed. Doctors didn't know why and so delivered Luca five weeks early by Caesarean. She weighed fewer than 5lbs.
It was then they discovered cancer had developed in the placenta. The rare growth affects only one in 50,000 pregnancies.
Li Li said: "It was such a shock. Because the disease was so aggressive it had already spread into my womb, bones and brain too. There was no time to lose, I had to start treatment straight away. I'd just given birth to Luca and now doctors were trying to save my life."
She began immunotherapy at Weston Park Hospital in Shef-field. The pioneering cancer treatment uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to help the body find and destroy cancer cells. She was given the all-clear in September.
"I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the team there," said Li Li. "I can't thank them enough. They have saved this family."
Dr Matt Winter, who is based at the specialist cancer centre
in South Yorkshire, said: "We were delighted to be able to care for Li Li and it is great to see her back at home with her family and making a good recovery."
- Pregnant women who keep CrossFitting could experience fewer complications, study shows
- Five gynae red flags women should never ignore
- 5 Signs You Could Be A Narcissistic Parent
- Doctors recommend early introduction of peanuts in children's diet: Details
- How to talk to kids about divorce - it's never easy, here our experts share the best ways to do it in this age-by-age guide
- All About Testosterone in Women
- This is the reality of dealing with emotionally immature parents
- Psychologist reveals 3 tips on how to navigate parenting with a new partner - and #1 is so important
- Children become more intelligent with ‘optimal’ amount of weekly reading
- There are no winners in the breast v bottle debate
- Prunes pack a powerful punch against inflammation and bone loss in postmenopausal women
- This is exactly how your period affects your workout, according to two experts
- Scientists have finally discovered the cause of morning sickness
- What young children need
- Breakthrough menopause drug that targets key symptom given approval for use in UK
- Keeping your children safe online: All you need to know
- Dear Exhausted and Burnt Out Parents, We’re Here to Help
- How to talk to your kids about death
- Use of menopausal hormone therapy beyond age 65 years and its effects on women's health outcomes by types, routes, and doses
- Scientists debunk myth that human brains are 'underdeveloped' at birth
- What are the health risks to children who vape?
- Changes to skin during menopause explained by experts, including dry skin and acne
- Acting Tips for Kids: How to Engage Your Child Through Theater
- How to nurture creativity in your kids
- Nine things you must consider before adopting a child
- Home
- Aches and Pains
- Children - Insomnia
- New Born Babies
- Babies From 2-12 months
- Spina Bifida
- Equipment Used
- Drug Abuse
- Other Ingredients
- The Handicapped Child
- Videos
- BALANITIS - Aromachildhood
- Worms
- Corona virus and pregnancy
- Contact Us
- Essential Oils for General Purposes
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children-2
- Hydrolats, Essential Oil Waters, and infused Oils
- Ringworm
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children- 3
- Basic Care Kit - Children - Essential Oils
- Web Links
- Acne
- Adolescent Acne
- The A - Z of Conditions
- Arthritis (juvenile Rheumatoid)
- Herbal Healing Infused Oils
- The Cave Man Eating Plan
- Things To Make For Your First Aid Cabinet
- The Basic Care Kit For Children
- Verrucas and Warts
- Caring Touch Massage
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children - 4
- Athlete's Foot - 2
We have 72 guests and no members online