When I was 30 years old and 8 months pregnant with my third son, I was given the worst news of my life. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
This came as a complete shock given that there was no history of cancer in my fam whatsoever. The diagnosis was bad enough by itself, but enduring subsequent weeks of uncertainty as to the severity of the cancer, along with the associated paranoia (how long did I have? What kind of treatment would I have to endure? What was happening to my unborn son? What will happen to my boys? etc.) was in a word, devastating.
Since I was pregnant, there was not a lot that the Doctors could do or tell me about my condition until my son was born. I chose to wait until my son could safely be delivered at 36 weeks and gave birth to the most healthy, chunky baby boy (yes, chunky, he weighed more than my first full-term boy).
I was emotional, happy, and scared of what was to come. 5 days later, I was back in the hospital, having my surgery. 2 days later, on December 1st, I was given incredible news, my brilliant Dr. had removed the cancer before it had become invasive. Huge silver lining!
I was fortunate to have found the cancer when I did. Although the cancer size was very large, I did not have to go through chemo or radiation. I am thankful for each and every day I have with my boys!