A mum found out she had an incurable brain tumour and only two years to live when she was 20 weeks pregnant.
ECHO readers said the news shows "life is so cruel" and sent messages of support to the the mum. Laura Elizabeth Mahon, from St Helens, woke up one morning and couldn't move her toes.
The 29-year-old, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, said she had been feeling tired but things got worse and she was struggling to walk. Laura's GP believed her baby was pressing against a nerve and sent her to The Walton Centre for an MRI scan but when the scan came back clear she was sent for a different MRI on her brain.
READ MORE: Mum-to-be told she is dying at 20 weeks pregnant
But the scan revealed the "devastating news" she had a brain tumour that had been there for years. Laura said: “It was such a shock, I’m only 29 and didn’t think something like this could happen to me. I was so focused on the baby, but I was getting more poorly. I couldn’t walk properly, I was being sick, and I was so tired."
Laura and her husband Danny, 28, made the "toughest decision of their lives" to bring their baby daughter into the world at 30 weeks. Sienna Grace Laura Mahon was born at Warrington Hospital on November 30 last year weighing just 3.4lbs with a collapsed lung.
Laura was told in December 2021 her tumour had nearly doubled in size and was now inoperable - and then just weeks later was given the devastating news she had just two years to live.
Because of her prognosis Laura and Danny got married on January 6 and two days later had Sienna christened in a hospital chapel. Later that month Sienna left hospital weighing five pounds.
Laura said: “Danny and I had prepared ourselves for the worst. We knew deep down what it was going to be but being told at 29 years old that you have inoperable stage 4 brain cancer and that I had just two years to live is something you can never prepare yourself for. Hearing that said out loud was a moment we’ll never forget.
“It felt so surreal, like I was living two separate lives. Things all looked fine, like we were a happy family, then I would remember how poorly I am. But it’s so special having Sienna with us, it’s like what we had originally envisaged.
“I see others with GBMs who manage to live longer, so I am clinging to the idea that I might be one of those people. I’m fighting as hard as I can and I’m staying strong for my family.”
After the ECHO revealed Laura's devastating story yesterday readers sent messages of support to Laura and her young family.
Lisa Sweeney wrote: "Sending big love, hugs and caring thoughts to Laura and her gorgeous family. My heart goes out to you. Stay strong, stay positive, stay safe and you fight this all the way lovely."
Lyn Colebourn said: "This is heartbreaking. Praying for a miracle so you can make memories with you beautiful baby."
Natalie Murray said: "Life can be so cruel and heartbreaking. Sending you lots of love. Your little girl is beautiful and a fighter like her mummy."
Gabriella Butler added: "Life can so cruel. No one should have to go through something so horrible. I pray for many more years making memories with your gorgeous daughter."
Jane Keeley wrote: "My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless and be with you all."
