Support for a Growing Family Facing Breast Cancer

At 35 weeks pregnant with her second baby, Megan Shull should be preparing for newborn cuddles and life as a family of four. Instead, she is preparing for a cesarean delivery followed just two weeks later by a single mastectomy.

She and her partner Tyler live in Vancouver with their 20-month-old daughter. Originally from Prince George, she built her career working as a Rehab Assistant at UHNBC before embarking on maternity leave for her first born and now for her soon to meet second baby.

During this pregnancy, she faced what no expectant mother anticipates. After discovering her first tumour, she underwent a lumpectomy in July 2025 and was rehospitalized for a week due to a pneumothorax. In the fall, she required a partial mastectomy/re-excision of the original mass. Most recently, at 32 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed again — this time with a new rapidly growing phyllodes tumour in her breast. This particular kind of tumour is unfortunately rare and not well understood.

Her current treatment plan includes:

• A scheduled C-section at 38 weeks

• A single mastectomy two weeks later

• Follow-up care with BC Cancer, likely including radiation

• At least 6–8 weeks of recovery following back-to-back surgeries

As she prepares to welcome her baby, she is also preparing for major surgery and cancer treatment — all while caring for a toddler.

She is currently on maternity leave, and while Tyler continues to work in Vancouver, this diagnosis brings emotional, physical, and financial strain. Family support is limited by distance, as her mom lives in Prince George. Fortunately she has some extended family in Vancouver and surrounding areas.

One of her greatest hopes is to have her mom — a registered nurse — by her side during both her cesarean at St. Paul’s Hospital and her mastectomy at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. A private hospital room would allow her newborn to stay close by her through this time. Hiring a postpartum doula or night nurse for overnight help will provide essential support during recovery. Megan currently lives in a 2 bedroom apartment with her husband, daughter and soon to be son. They are searching for accommodations for family and help to stay close by.

Right now, the hardest part is facing major cancer surgery while about to give birth — trying to stay strong for her children while navigating fear, recovery, and the unknown.

Donations may go toward:

• Lost wages and financial stability during extended recovery

• Private hospital room costs ($190/night at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital)

• Travel, gas, and hospital parking

• Childcare for their 20-month-old during surgeries and appointments

• Groceries and prepared meals during recovery

• Medical and post-surgical recovery supplies

• Night nurse or postpartum doula support

• Baby essentials such as diapers and formula

Every contribution — big or small — helps this family focus on what matters most: easing the pressure during this incredibly intense season and allowing her to focus on healing and her babies.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page means so much.

Thank you for surrounding them with love and support during this unimaginable time.