Mum diagnosed with cancer two months after giving birth

Rebecca Hyndman, Jeff Hyndman and their son Ben Hyndman. Photo / Supplied

Nausea, exhaustion and a lack of appetite are not unusual during a typical pregnancy.

However, when first-time mum Rebecca Hyndman, 32, never got over the morning sickness that had plagued her nine months of pregnancy, it was the first sign something was not quite right.

Less than two months after the birth of her son Ben on November 28 the Aucklander was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer.

"Pregnancy masked the true symptoms," she said. "'Normal' people get an appetite back, but I seemed to decline not improve."

Mrs Hyndman said while she was initially diagnosed with a blood clot, a week later she remained unwell and was admitted to hospital with a suspected infection in her C-section wound.

Then she found a lump in her stomach that turned out to be a gastric tumour. Currently she was still waiting the results of more tests that would classify just what type of cancer it was.

"Our focus [for now] is to get rid of the blood clots, but you can't just wave a magic wand."

Mrs Hyndman said the tests might change the outlook but it was all a waiting game at present.

"But being realistic the life expectancy isn't measured in years."

She said she felt robbed at the thought of not being able to be there for her young son and family.

"I felt a sorrow that you can't put into words, fear and anxiety for my two boys, my friends and my family. But my primary fear was for my boys."

Mrs Hyndman said it was hard finally getting the baby she'd tried so hard for, only to then not be able to look after him.

"It's not what it should be."

But her friends and family gave her faith that her "Big Ben" would be well looked after.

"I have no fear that my baby will have the best care and will have a magical upbringing."

Close friend Anna Seccombe has established a Givealittle page to help.

She said "at a time in their lives that should be the most joyful" the couple had received the most "shocking news anyone could receive".

"Rebecca had gone from being a blissfully happy new mum, to a new mum looking down the barrel of chemotherapy.

"She has been told she has only a few months left to live, possibly less if the blood clots in her lungs are not able to be removed successfully."

Despite the diagnosis Ms Seccombe said "true to form" her friend was less focused on herself, but on her little family.

"This girl, faced with such a frightening diagnosis and the enormous weight of knowing she is going to be leaving behind many people who love her so much, is still smiling. She is still cracking funnies, she is still the bright, loving soul we all know and adore. There is still fire in her belly."

So far the Givealittle page has raised more than $35,000 in just one day.

Another close friend, Amber Bibby, said it was incredible to see the amount of support from the public.

She said the situation was one of those "cliche things that you don't expect to happen to people who you love".

"How people rally and support ... it's so meaningful."

Mrs Hyndman said "overwhelmed" was an understatement as to how she felt by everyone's support.

"It helps make the day a little brighter."

She said she would normally never ask, but she needed to know her boys were taken care of before she left.

"Before I leave I have promised everything will be in order."