Linsey Sowinski faced an issue so difficult that most expectant mothers would not know the right choice to make. The new mom was diagnosed with Lymphoma three months into her pregnancy after doctors found a tumor growing on her chest. Not only did the idea of having cancer scare her, but she feared that she would have to sacrifice her child in order to receive treatment.
Although it sounds like an uncommon situation, many pregnant women are diagnosed every year with cancer but doctors say there is a method that allows mothers-to-be to receive chemotherapy and have a healthy fetus. And as scary as it sounds, Sowinski went through chemo during her pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Lena Kate this past May.
That must be a frightening experience to have to go through as an expecting mother. First it's accepting the fact that you have cancer, but you also have to remember that the decision you make doesn't just affect you, it affects the person growing inside of you too.
According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, the doctors waited until after the first trimester when a fetus is at a greater risk of being harmed and then when the time was right to remove the baby, they did a C-section on her. Sadly many years ago, this wouldn't have been an option and most mothers would have had to make a decision of whether to save themselves or spare the baby.
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What's unsettling about Sowinski's situation is that although certain treatments are safe during pregnancy, Lena had problems with her immune system all due to the chemotherapy after she was born. But after a month of hospitalization, she fully recovered. Although it's taken Sowinski longer to recuperate, her cancer is currently in remission and leaves her and her husband hopeful that she'll heal properly.
I can't imagine the emotional rollercoaster Sowinski has had to go through ranging from her cancer, to her daughter's health—all while being a newlywed and now a mother. We wish the family the best and hope Lena remains in good health and that Linsey has a quick and speedy recovery.
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Image via Lindsey Sowinski/facebook
