Sheffield mum enjoys Christmas with her husband and baby daughter after cancer diagnosis following birth

When Anna Panter fell pregnant, she and her husband Adam were overjoyed to discover they were expecting twins.

At the 12-week scan, however, the couple were devastated to be told that Anna had lost one of the twins. The pair were dealt even more upsetting news when, after the birth of their daughter Lydia, it was discovered Anna had cancer.

After undergoing chemotherapy treatment, Anna, enjoyed spending Christmas at home with her family this year.

Anna said: “Last year, I was allowed home for two days between treatment but I was so poorly with the side effects of chemotherapy. This year, I’ll enjoy every moment of spending time with Adam and Lydia. I’ve got them, so I got through.”

She added praise for the hospital that treated her, Weston Park Hospital.

“Weston Park was amazing. I’m full of love and admiration for them and what they did for me and do every day for others. The more Weston Park Cancer Charity funds research to understand this rare cancer, the more women will get to look forward to Christmas with their families, and the more children will get to keep their mums.”

Anna’s cancer was a result gestational trophoblastic disease, which causes a tumour to develop inside the uterus from tissue that forms after conception.

World-leading reseatch in to this disease is carried out at The Sheffield Trophoblastic Disease Centre at Weston Park Cancer Centre.

Doctor Victoria Parker, of Weston Park Cancer Centre, said: “When Anna lost one of her babies something called a molar pregnancy had occurred. This is when the cells from the foetus grow into abnormal cells in the placenta. She was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma and referred to Weston Park Hospital. Sadly, Anna’s cancer had spread to her brain and lungs.”

Anna has contributed to research by Doctor Parker that will help to increase understanding of symptoms and how patients are diagnosed and treated. Visit ww.westonpark.org.uk to donate to the charity.