Cancer patient undergoes chemotherapy while in coma

Beth Paterson was in her third trimester while also undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare type of cancer affecting the immune system.

The mum of three was in a coma while undergoing treatment at Wessex Neurological Centre at University Hospital Southampton, and in March this year finally gave birth to her third child, Isabella.

Now in remission, Beth, from Basingstoke, has thanked staff for their support, saying: "They were absolutely fantastic. Especially the lymphoma nurses who couldn't have done more for me.

"They were always so approachable and empathetic."

The symptoms first started around October last year when Beth started feeling sick, tired and had persistent itching.

However, because of her allergies and being pregnant, her symptoms were initially thought not to be serious - and she later lost three stone.

While at home, due to complications with encephalopathy - a disease in which the functioning of the brain is affected by some agent or condition - she fell unconscious 

After a series of appointments, she attended Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital, and was blue-lighted to Wessex Neurological Centre at UHS where MRI scans and X-rays were carried out.

In December, due to the effects of encephalopathy, she became unresponsive and following tests she was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.

Beth Paterson in hospital (Image: Provided)

This is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system - part of the immune system - which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body.

As a result of this, she also suffered from Paraneoplastic syndrome which happens when the immune system reacts to a cancerous tumor.

She began to undertake chemotherapy while in the coma while being in her second trimester of pregnancy.

By January she became responsive again but with limited cognitive skills and it took her until the end of February to be aware of her surroundings and recover - later starting physiotherapy.

Isabella was born on March 18 at 31 weeks and five days at two pounds and eight ounces and remained in incubation until the end of May.

Baby Isabella was born on March 18 at 31 weeks and five days (Image: Provided)

Beth's mum, Sharon described it as "very nerve-racking", saying: "We were making sure we were prepared at the time and we know it would be likely that she would be an early baby and that she would have to be incubated."

As of early June, Beth had her last chemotherapy session in early June and is now in remission.

Beth with the staff at UHS (Image: UHS)

She has now thanked the NHS staff who supported her through the last nine months.

"All the staff at Southampton were just amazing, they would never not help me."

Beth is now still recovering her independence and having long walks with her children again.