'would I have chance to see my twins grow up'
Holley was just 23 weeks pregnant with twins when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Holley was a dance teacher and had been suffering from pain in her arm which she thought was a pulled muscle. She had eventually gone to A&E where further scans and tests revealed the cancer.
This is her story…
Holley, who recently appeared with Pete in the Great North Run #LocalHeroes Campaign, was just 23 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Holley was a dance teacher and had been suffering from pain in her arm which she thought was a pulled muscle, she had eventually gone to A&E where further scans and tests revealed the cancer.
Holley was advised to terminate. Her pregnancy and start a course of chemotherapy and then radiotherapy. Holley did not want to terminate. She'd felt her babies kick and wanted to continue with her pregnancy. However, Holley knew that this would also mean delaying her treatment even though her own health would get worse. So against her doctors advice, Holley did delay her treatment because she wanted to put her unborn babies first and give them the chance to grow and become stronger.
Holley had wanted to try and reach the 30 week mark in her pregnancy, but at 29 weeks Holley's doctors told her that she should not delay her treatment any longer as her cancer was growing. So, Holley's twins, Harlow and Havana were born at 29 weeks by caesarean, they were very premature weighing in at just 3lbs each. The twins spent a total of 11 weeks in intensive care before going home.
Holley began her treatment the week after the twins were born and spent her maternity leave dealing with the sickness from the chemotherapy and the loss of her hair. Holley found it hard to think that she was now fighting for her life because she wanted to be there for her children. She said that the arrival of the twins was the best feeling in the world, but that it was a bitter sweet experience because now she wondered if she would have the chance to see them grow up. Holley knew that she needed to stay strong and positive for her children.
Mummy's Star were able to to provide Holley with advice and emotional support. They also put Holley in touch with other mums through their forum to support her as well and provided some financial support to her.
Holley commented that Mummy's Star provided advice to her on both the cancer and pregnancy together which had helped her. Prior to speaking with Mummy's Star she been given advice about the cancer and the pregnancy but it was treated separately.'
We're very pleased to say that Holley is now in remission and her twins Harlow and Havana, who are now 3, are also doing well.
Holley x
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