Laura was pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with primary breast cancer. She was also told she had the BRCA2 gene.
Laura was pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with primary breast cancer. She was also told she had the BRCA2 gene.
I felt so responsible
When I was diagnosed, I was married with a two-year-old son and five months pregnant with my second child. It was a really scary time because I felt so responsible for the life I was carrying inside me, and had to think about her as well as me when it came to treatment options.
As a result, breast cancer had a huge impact on our family life.
My son was too young to understand but we told him as much as we could and we had a book from Breast Cancer Now called Mummy's Lump, which helped a lot. He still asks me to read it sometimes now. I find it hard as it takes me back to when I was going through treatment.
Although he didn't really understand much of what was going on, all the sadness and fear in the house must have filtered through to him and I worry about that sometimes.
I worry for my daughter
I also found out that I have the BRCA2 gene mutation while I was still pregnant. I knew I was having a daughter and I knew there was a chance she would have it too.
It breaks my heart to know that she might have to go through all of this.
I try not to dwell on it as she can't be tested until she's an adult. Right now, she's three and she's so perfect - I hate to think there might be something in her genetics that could harm her in the future.
Cancer stole my time with my children
Being diagnosed while you have young children is hard. It's a busy and stressful time of life, as well as being full of wonder and joy, and there isn't much room for things like surgery and chemo.
Obviously, you have to make room for them, but it's at the expense of other things, like trips to the park and adventures in the woods. Cancer stole things from me that I'll never get back.
If you know someone in that position, and you're able to, offer help. It could be anything: a home-cooked meal, an hour's babysitting, a cup of tea and a chat. Those things make all the difference.
Need to talk to someone? Our breast care nurses and highly trained staff on our free and confidential Helpline are here for you, your family and friends. So, whether you have been diagnosed with breast cancer yourself, or have questions about a loved one- we’re ready to listen. Call 0808 800 6000 or email nurse@breastcancernow.org