Pregnancy and Cancer. Two words that many of us can relate to whether it's personal or through someone we know. Two words you don’t see together.   

A Molar pregnancies occur roughly every 1 in 1000 pregnancies, they are very rare. They happen at the moment of conception where a fetus would usually form, a fault occurs during this time and instead, a mass of rapid growing cells form creating a 'mole'. This can cause either a complete molar pregnancy (no viable fetus present) or Partial pregnancy (fetus viable) . This is usually treated successfully with a simple procedure. However, in further rare cases cells can grow back and require further treatment.  This is carried out with Chemotherapy to stop the spread of cancerous cells infecting other bodily organs.

Matt and I found out at our routine 12 week scan in January that something was wrong. After 4 weeks of severe sickness which got worse and worse as the days went by. I was back and fourth to the doctors and midwife where it was overlooked and shrugged off as maybe we were  expecting  twins or one of those things even with a massive drop of 18 lbs in weight  in under 2 weeks, abdominal pains and extreme fatigue but still no tests, Scans or investigations were done. 

Our 12 week scan was the time we were pushing towards to see and hear the heartbeat of the little monkey that was causing so much trouble all ready. We waited and waited, but no heartbeat came and no baby was there to be seen , but a huge mass that was growing where our new baby should have been. We were in complete shock as I had a bump visible to see. We were  utterly heartbroken and scared for what was to come. 

We were then spoken to about the mass / tumour that was growing rapidly. How it will be removed, then  the words cancer and chemotherapy were said  and how I will be under Charing Cross hospital London for 2 weekly testing to check my levels decrease to ensure no dormant tissues are  regrowing for the next 6-12 months. 

I was then rushed for surgery the next day and had an operation to remove a mass of pre cancerous cells from my womb. An agonising wait for lab results confirmed I'd had a complete molar pregnancy. The  blood test then showed a  Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) and my levels of hormones were through the roof. 

To go from expecting a new baby to potentially fighting cancer is terrifying, especially when you are labelled with a disease you have never heard about. 

My testing is due to come to an end if my levels continue to drop on October 11th 2019. Nearly a year to the day we found out we were pregnant. 

My jump will happen on Saturday August 31st 2019. 

I am not looking for a medal, a pat on the back or sympathy I want to raise awareness of this disease as it is so rare and help support and stand together with all the women who have or will go through a molar pregnancy. 

It’s a sad, lonely and confusing journey with many depth of grief to contend with waiting for results, grieving a baby you carried for 12 weeks that then became something that threatened your life , to feeling inspired by other women's strength and resilience I have met and connected with through out this process. 

The Charity I'm raising funds for is the Cancer Research and Treatment Trust in Charing Cross. They are the UK's main research and treatment facility for Molar pregnancies as well as caring and treating for those suffering from other cancers.  Founded in 1985 they have treated 3650 women with chemotherapy after their molar pregnancies.  I cannot begin to thank the team there enough for all they have done and continue to do for me and other women like me. 

I've found support and comfort in many forms.  I feel more knowledge of the disease can help eliminate a lot of the fear and trauma for future patients as well as better understanding for those supporting families dealing with loss and trauma of any kind.

With your help and awareness, we can help make a huge difference to the lives of many families in the future.

This last year has been full of fear and the unknown so I thought what better way to end it with something that leaves me shaking in my boots !!!  I hate theme parks , heights and the whole idea of a skydive but this is why I’m doing it to use the strength I have gained over this year and use my experience and voice to help others in the future!! 

This experience has changed me in so many ways and makes me stop everyday to appreciate what i have right now in this moment as we all never know when your life can completely fall down....... So I am going to fall down from 15,000 ft 😂😂

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and help raise awareness for women and families in the future and all donations are really appreciated!! 💗

See you at the bottom ahhhhhh 😀🤭✈️😅

To find out more about molar pregnancies please view: www.hmole-chorio.org.uk/index.html