Breast Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy & First Time Mom

After two and a half years of trying for a baby, we got pregnant for the first time. We were and are thrilled! Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at 6 months pregnant in August 2024. Age 37 — healthy, no smoking, no drugs, hardly any history of drinking. Sadly, I started treatments (AC/“red devil” chemo) soon after the diagnosis, but it didn't work to reduce the cancer. The lump did not decrease.

It’s HER2 positive breast cancer - aggressive and high risk but curable due to HER2 targeted therapy which is available due to funds/research specifically for HER2. (Thank you to anyone who has ever donated or advocated for breast cancer!!!) It wasn’t treatable 25 years ago; my oncologist reminds me it was a “death sentence”. But I start the right type of HER2 therapy after baby is born.

I gave birth at 36 weeks following chemo treatments. There were life-threatening complications but we survived. Baby was born 10/23/2024. Completely healthy and perfect!!!

I need to LIVE for him! I sometimes feel sad and scared but I’m hopeful. I’m hopeful when I feel support. I trust that the new medicine will work as well.

Next: for all of 2025, I have 20+ chemotherapy treatments, surgery and radiation. I started chemo again just 2 weeks after giving birth. I cannot breast feed while on chemo.

** Funds will go towards formula ($5000+ for just one year of Enfamil), diapers, baby needs, and at-home childcare ($10,000) while I recover from mastectomy surgery as I can’t lift more than 5 lbs for 4-6 weeks. Plus 2 years of medical bills (deductible alone is approx $18,000) for chemotherapy infusions, MRIs, CTs, bone scan, ultrasounds, port surgery, 5-6 weeks of daily radiation, breast surgery, etc. I have healthcare insurance but this is just a portion of our out-of-pocket cost for 2024 + 2025. **

Added: My twin sister suggested we start a baby college fund (approx $25,000) as well. Anything helps during this challenging time as new parents. Thank you.

Or Venmo: SaraGunn29 (friends have been asking for this)

GOOD NEWS: baby is safe. I’m doing my best to remain positive. I am strong and will get through this, with your support. THANK YOU! p.s. thank you to friends who suggested I create this page.