I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at 31 weeks pregnant at the age of 36 on May 20, 2021, my husband's birthday. I was admitted to the hospital earlier that week as a result of an MRI that showed growths on my liver.
Earlier in the year a routine genetic screening test during pregnancy resulted in a high probability of the baby having a rare chromosome, Trisomy 13, that would likely not allow the baby to live longer than a week. A follow-up test of the amniotic fluid showed that the baby was fine. I was very fortunate to be at UCSF where they told me they wanted to piece together the puzzle and look into the false positive.
UCSF pointed out that cancer cells in moms can sometimes cause false positives in genetic screening tests during pregnancy. They considered my history of stage IA malignant melanoma and sent me to the melanoma clinic. The dermatologist recommended an MRI to err on the side of caution. When the MRI showed growths on my liver, I was quickly admitted for a colonoscopy, liver biopsy, CT scan, and ultrasounds.
I knew we were likely dealing with cancer, but I did not know in what capacity. My husband, Jon, was on the phone when the doctor gave me my stage IV diagnosis. Jon rushed to the hospital after the call, and we celebrated his birthday with cake in the hospital bed.
We also did a sex reveal of the baby that night in attempt to bring joy to the day. My nurse brought us a congratulatory card and blue knitted hat. We were having a boy. My high-risk OB told me before admitting me to the hospital, "This pregnancy might have saved your life."
I had a chemo port placed and started chemo the following week. The first three rounds were inpatient as I needed to be monitored while pregnant.
I could not have gotten through treatment without the support from my network. Meeting other folks that were patients and survivors was instrumental in my journey. I have FightCRC to thank for that. I advocate for other early-onset patients, surivivors and moms with cancer.
