Stage II Breast Cancer: Naomi's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

In May 2006, an unnamed patient was 26 weeks pregnant with her younger son when she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. The diagnosis brought immediate fears about both her own survival and her baby, but a treatment plan helped reduce some of the uncertainty.

Because she was already in the third trimester, she was able to receive chemotherapy during pregnancy. She had 3 rounds of doxorubicin every 3 weeks, then paused treatment as delivery approached. Labor was induced a month early, and her son was born healthy on July 25. After delivery, she received several more rounds of chemotherapy. She then underwent a lumpectomy and completed 6 weeks of radiation therapy.

During chemotherapy in 2006, a breast cancer survivor volunteering at UT MD Anderson visited her and gave her hope that she could eventually move beyond active treatment. The experience stayed with her, although raising two children and processing the emotional impact of cancer delayed her own return as a volunteer. Twenty years later, with both sons grown, she began volunteering weekly. She now talks with other women receiving breast cancer care and uses her own experience to reassure them during treatment.