Cape Town - A pregnant mother is in a race against time to save her baby – and herself.
Anneline van Reenen is six months pregnant but was told this week she only has three months left to live.
The 36-year-old mom of three fell pregnant with her fourth baby after she was sterilised.
Van Reenen, who lives in Brackenfell, said: “I am anxious, but hopeful. God has a plan for me and I know he did not create this miracle only to take it away.”
Shesays doctors discovered the cancer in her brain and spine last year. Some of the growths were removed, and she received chemotherapy. But when she fell pregnant, the treatment was stopped because it’s dangerous to the baby.
Doctors have told her that unless she starts treatment again soon, she could be dead from cancer within three months.
That means that at 24 weeks pregnant, she will have to risk bringing her son into the world at 27 weeks.
“Last year doctors removed 30 cysts that were growing under my left arm,” she says.
“The doctors want to shrink all the growths and remove them within thee months. It cannot wait longer than that. I won’t survive longer than that. I cannot receive any treatment for my back now as this will have a negative effect on my unborn son.
“My husband Rudi was shocked and heartbroken at the news.”
Rudi van Rooyen says he does not want to think about raising their family without Anneline. “What am I going to tell my kids if anything happens to my wife? Our youngest [child] is just two years old and I can’t even begin to imagine what life for us will be like without Anneline by my side.
Anneline’s mother, Anita Jones, is also trying to remain positive.
Anita says: “I was there when the doctors told Anneline the baby would have to be born earlier, via C-section. It is dangerous for both of them, but I have decided to remain positive. By God’s grace we will have our miracles.”
Anneline was sterilised two years ago and says it was a “huge surprise” finding out she was pregnant: “I think our very first miracle happened when I got pregnant after having a sterilisation.”
The mom says it’s been a “stressful” time for her and Rudi.
While faced with life-and-death decisions, they also have to deal with the financial strain.
“This is a very emotional and extremely costly time for us. My husband is now the sole breadwinner and we are struggling,” admits Anneline. “I go from wondering where I am going to get clothes for my premature baby to how I am going to clothe my other three kids this winter.”
The family has started a Facebook group called Gebed vir Anneline van Reenen, to ask for help..
“We need and will accept any help people will offer, we don’t care if it is second-hand,” says Anneline.
“I still have to pay for two scans at the hospital and will accept any financial assistance. I smile today because I trust in God and believe He will carry us through this difficult time.”
* If anyone would like to assist, visit the Facebook group.
Daily Voice