Wine-Induced Neck Pain Leads to Shocking Cancer Diagnosis for Young Mother
A 28-year-old mother from Sunderland has revealed how an unusual reaction to drinking wine ultimately led to a devastating cancer diagnosis. Hollie Thursby began experiencing sharp pain behind her ear and down the side of her neck whenever she enjoyed a glass of wine following the birth of her second son in December 2024.
Unusual Symptoms Initially Dismissed
Hollie noticed that while lager caused no problems and prosecco only occasionally triggered discomfort, wine consistently produced severe pain. "With wine it would really, really hurt," she explained. Alongside this peculiar symptom, she experienced extreme exhaustion and unbearably itchy skin, particularly on her legs at night.
During her six-week postnatal appointment in January 2025, Hollie raised these concerns with medical professionals, who attributed them to hormonal changes following childbirth. "They just said that it was probably down to hormones," she recalled, accepting this explanation at the time.
Discovery and Diagnosis
The situation changed dramatically in July 2025 when Hollie discovered a lump on the left side of her neck. Returning to her GP, she was referred for a CT scan which revealed a substantial cluster of lymph nodes. Following a biopsy, she received the heartbreaking news on October 23rd, 2025: stage two Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.
The NHS identifies pain in the neck, armpit or groin when drinking alcohol as a recognised symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma. Medical experts explain that alcohol consumption causes blood vessel dilation, which can lead to swelling in affected lymph nodes or diseased tissue, resulting in discomfort.
Family History Adds Emotional Weight
The diagnosis carried additional emotional weight for Hollie, whose mother died from a blood disorder when she was just ten years old. "It's too much of a coincidence that my mum had something now I've got this," she shared, describing feeling "shocked and heartbroken" by the diagnosis.
Her oncologist revealed that in seventeen years of practice, she had only encountered one other case where alcohol-induced pain signaled Hodgkin lymphoma. The specialist suggested the acidity in wine, rather than alcohol generally, might explain why this particular beverage triggered Hollie's symptoms so consistently.
Treatment Challenges and Family Focus
Since November 2025, Hollie has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, which she describes as "horrendous." The most difficult aspect has been her inability to care for her two young sons during treatment. "I'm their mum, it's my job to look after them," she explained emotionally. "I keep telling myself, me getting better is me looking after them."
Having grown up without her own mother, Hollie is determined not to leave her children in the same situation. "I grew up without a mum and it was horrendous, I can't do that to the boys," she stated. "I'm just doing everything I can to get better for them."
Thankfully, her sons are too young to understand her illness, which she considers "a blessing for them." Despite having strong support networks, Hollie finds the separation from maternal duties the most challenging aspect of her cancer journey.
Raising Awareness of Unusual Symptoms
Hollie's experience highlights how easily unusual cancer symptoms can be overlooked or attributed to more common causes, particularly in postpartum women. Her story serves as a reminder that persistent, unexplained symptoms warrant thorough investigation, regardless of initial explanations.
The young mother remains focused on her recovery, viewing treatment as a temporary necessity to ensure she can be there for her children as they grow. Her determination underscores the powerful motivation that family provides during health crises, even as she navigates the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
