By Alicia Henry Harris
Facing a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy is a rare and challenging experience that can impact both your health and your unborn child’s well-being. The journey of managing cancer while pregnant is filled with unique obstacles, affecting your emotional and physical resilience.
Concerns about how cancer treatment might affect not only your health but also the well-being of your baby and your future fertility are natural. My husband and I personally underwent this journey when I was diagnosed 14 weeks into my pregnancy.
I had no symptoms; it all started from a routine check-up with my OB. She asked if I wanted to check my breasts, and I agreed. She felt something, but thought it could just be milk coming in. To be cautious, she ordered a sonogram. After the sonogram, they ordered a biopsy, and that’s when I received the diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma, ER/PR positive, HER2 negative, grade 3.
We scheduled surgery a couple of weeks later and did a lumpectomy when I was 16 weeks pregnant. I started chemotherapy during my third trimester, just before being induced, and continued with more chemo after my baby was born, followed by radiation. My doctor recommended the TC chemotherapy regimen with both docetaxel (Taxotere) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). It was an intense journey, but having faith and a plan helped me focus on both my health and my baby’s well being.
My experience being pregnant while battling cancer was a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, I was filled with the joy of expecting my baby, but on the other hand, I was terrified of what the diagnosis meant for both of us. Every decision about treatment carried the weight of not just my health, but my unborn child’s well-being. Chemotherapy while pregnant felt overwhelming, and I constantly wondered if I was making the right choice to protect my daughter.
There were so many questions and fears: whether the baby would be born healthy, how my body would handle the treatment while pregnant, and what the future held for both of us. But through it all, I had an incredible support system and medical team that monitored me and the baby closely, which helped me feel secure in my decisions.
All this was very hard to go through during the postpartum period, but I got through it. There were moments when the exhaustion felt unbearable, but having my family and medical team by my side made a huge difference. My husband, my faith, and a strong support system of friends and loved ones helped me get through the toughest days. Simple things like walking, meditation, and studying helped me stay grounded. I also found comfort talking with a counselor.
In the end, I was blessed with a healthy baby girl who I named Journi, symbolizing the transformative journey we embarked on together. It was during this experience that my mission crystallized: to support and empower other expectant mothers facing a similar challenge. I want them to know that it is feasible to navigate pregnancy alongside treatment and still bring forth a healthy, joyful baby. I want every mother in this situation to understand that they need not face this journey alone. It’s possible to navigate pregnancy and cancer treatment simultaneously, emerging with both a healthy child and renewed strength.
When my daughter Journi was born healthy, it was the most beautiful moment hearing her cry for the first time. Surviving cancer while bringing her into the world made me even more passionate about supporting other mothers going through similar battles. That experience inspired me to start Journi for Two, my nonprofit, to ensure no mother faces the journey alone.
My aspiration to establish this foundation stems from the resilience and hope that guided me through my own journey. By sharing my story, I aim to provide a source of inspiration and information for pregnant mothers undergoing cancer treatment. Together, we can navigate this challenging path and emerge with strength, courage, and the belief that a positive outcome is attainable.
At Journi for Two, our mission is to support mothers battling cancer with practical help and heartfelt care. We have a support group and community for mothers to connect along with providing hope baskets filled with essentials, and offer services like counseling, childcare, cleaning, and food. We also offer free breast exams to the community at our events.
Our work is now expanding internationally, and we’re excited about our recent trip to Washington, D.C., where Congresswoman Kathy Castor invited us to the White House and Capitol, and chose me as a survivor to play in the Congressional Women’s Softball Game.
We have some wonderful events coming up, including free breast and health exams. I also speak at various events across Florida to raise awareness and advocate for mothers with cancer, especially those who are pregnant or have young children. We’re truly excited about the future and the chance to make a difference in many lives.
Connect with Alicia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journifortwo
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