A MUM has given birth three years after being told she had just months to live with cervical cancer — and was infertile.
Helen Dixon, 35, started looking for a surrogate after chemotherapy made the tumour stop growing.
She had two daughters from a previous relationship — Lucy, 20, and Hannah, 13 — and wanted a son with husband Paul.
Helen, of Leeds, was stunned to fall pregnant naturally. She had 3lbs 5oz Harvey George via emergency Caesarean and the tot spent 16 days in hospital before being allowed home.
She said: “The doctors didn’t expect me to last this long and had said I couldn’t get pregnant. They were shocked.
Helen said: “It was really strange. One day I woke up and I said 'I feel really pregnant'.
“I was scared, excited and nervous at the same time. I was rushed for an emergency scan and found out I was over three and a half weeks gone.
“We were hoping for a boy and he’s made the family complete. He’s our little miracle.”
Helen, of Leeds, West Yorks, fell ill in 2015. At first doctors thought her symptoms were the result of a miscarriage but a smear revealed she had cervical cancer.
She was then told she had only months to live.
Doctors expect Helen’s cancer to return and her diagnosis remains incurable. Paul, 43, said: “She’s such a fighter, that’s where I get my strength.
“I would have cracked up if she hadn’t been so positive and strong.
“On my bad days she’s lifted me back up again. She wouldn’t give up.
“We’re just enjoying life together while we can.”
FACTS ON CERVICAL CANCER ACCORDING TO THE NHS WEBSITE
- The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any symptoms at all until it's reached an advanced stage
- In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex
- Bleeding at any other time, other than your expected monthly period, is also considered unusual
- If you've had an abnormal cervical screening test result, or your symptoms suggest that you may have cervical cancer, your gynaecologist will usually carry out a colposcopy. This is an examination to look for abnormalities in your cervix
- The NHS advises women to visit their GP for advice if they experience any type of unusual vaginal bleeding
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