A mother was shocked to learn that the neck pain she experienced while drinking wine was actually a symptom of a serious illness. Hollie Thursby, 28, noticed discomfort behind her ear and along the side of her neck after having a few glasses of wine following the birth of her second child in December 2024. Despite mentioning these symptoms, along with itchy skin, to doctors during her postnatal check-up in January 2025, they attributed it to hormonal changes. However, upon discovering a lump in her neck in July 2025, she sought further medical evaluation. Subsequent CT scans revealed a significant cluster of lymph nodes on the left side of her neck.
Following a biopsy, Hollie received the devastating news on October 23, 2025, that she had stage two Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Hollie, residing in Sunderland, shared her experience of experiencing neck pain specifically with wine consumption, in contrast to other alcoholic beverages. She also mentioned persistent fatigue and itchy skin as additional symptoms. Despite feeling extremely tired, she initially attributed it to the demands of motherhood with two young children.
The diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma came as a shock to Hollie, especially considering her mother’s history of a blood disorder. She expressed her devastation and concern for her children but also mentioned having a treatment plan in place. Hollie’s oncologist explained that the neck pain triggered by wine could be related to the alcohol’s acidity, a known side effect associated with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment initiated on November 4, Hollie expressed the emotional challenge of not being able to care for her sons during this period. She highlighted the importance of her role as a mother and the determination to overcome the illness for the sake of her children. The NHS identifies neck pain when drinking alcohol as a potential symptom of Hodgkin Lymphoma, attributing it to lymph node swelling or tissue inflammation due to alcohol-induced blood vessel dilation.