Community Medical Centers

05/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2026 10:46

Community Cancer Institute treats rare blood cancer in pregnant mother

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 08:49 AM
1 minute

Community Cancer Institute treats rare blood cancer in pregnant mother

Alyssa Kincaid was five months pregnant when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer. But thanks to the team at Community Cancer Institute, both mother and daughter are now healthy and thriving.

Editorial Staff
Communications & Public Relations Team

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Doctors told Alyssa Kincaid she was just having a "difficult pregnancy." But the 27-year-old first-time mom knew the pain and fainting she was experiencing wasn't normal. Kincaid sought a second opinion at Community Cancer Institute on the Clovis Community Medical Center campus, where she was diagnosed with stage 4 B-cell lymphoma.

Signs of lymphoma and pregnancy can overlap

Lymphoma in pregnancy is rare and difficult to diagnose as symptoms of the disease - like fatigue, sweating, aches and pains, and anemia - can also be signs of pregnancy. Kincaid's diagnosis meant treatment had to begin immediately, despite being five months pregnant with daughter Addison.

"It is an aggressive blood cancer that has to be treated within days or within a few weeks of the diagnosis, depending on how quickly it progresses," said Dr. Haifaa Abdulhaq, Director of Cellular Therapy, Community Cancer Institute, of B-cell lymphoma. "If it is untreated, unfortunately, it can result in very severe complications, and patients could die."

Mother undergoes chemo as baby grows strong in the NICU

Kincaid began chemotherapy treatment, concerned about potential risks to her baby.

"Every day I was pushing for her, and I think it just took me out of myself," said Kincaid. And, you know, we can be selfish, but I think this is the most selfless thing I've had to do."

Fortunately, Kincaid's body responded well to her treatment and, midway through chemotherapy, baby Addison arrived. Born a few weeks prematurely, she spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while mom continued treatment.

"She's tiny but mighty. And everyone says it's a miracle … that she saved my life," said Kincaid. "That if I weren't pregnant, they would never have found the cancer."

Now in remission, Kincaid is home and ready to experience the world as a new mom and role model to her daughter.

"I want her to know she is strong, that she can do anything. I mean, I was pregnant and went through chemo at the same time, and now I'm five months postpartum," Kincaid said. "So I want her to know that she can do anything. Nothing can stop her."

Community Medical Centers published this content on May 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 19, 2026 at 16:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]