Being Diagnosed With CANCER While Pregnant with Someone Else’s Baby "I found a lump"

When 34-year-old Shelby M. felt a sudden lump in her armpit at 15 weeks pregnant, she assumed it was a normal side effect of IVF hormones, but an ultrasound and biopsy soon revealed a shocking diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. As a first-time surrogate carrying another family's child, navigating a breast cancer diagnosis meant balancing her own life-saving treatment with the safety of the baby she was trusted to grow. Shelby candidly shares what it was like delivering this heartbreaking news to the intended parents, undergoing a double mastectomy at 21 weeks pregnant, and safely receiving AC chemo during her second and third trimesters. Despite the physical toll of losing her breasts and hair, she discovered incredible resilience, marveling at her body's ability to act as a powerhouse that could simultaneously fight cancer and nurture a healthy baby. In this deeply moving story on @thepatientstory, Shelby opens up about the realities of her medical care, how she explained the illness to her own children, and why she is determined to thrive. Thank you, Shelby, for sharing your story to help others. #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms The Patient Story: The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor. Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements. Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner. Chapters: 00:00 - First Time Surrogate Gets Breast Cancer Diagnosis 04:29 - Finding a Lump During A Surrogacy Pregnancy 07:10 - First OB Visit and Breast Exam 11:05 - Ultrasound Reveals Irregular Findings 16:24 - Biopsy Results in MyChart 19:50 - Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Diagnosis (Breast Cancer) 23:10 - Telling My Husband and the Intended Parents 30:25 - Coordinating Care With OB and Oncology Team 36:55 - The Pregnancy-Safe Breast Cancer Treatment Plan 41:30 - Double Mastectomy at 21 Weeks Pregnant 47:00 - Starting AC Chemotherapy During Pregnancy 51:45 - Living Flat, Pregnant, and in Treatment 56:55 - Losing My Hair During Cancer Treatment 61:20 - Explaining Breast Cancer and Surrogacy to My Kids 69:40 - Choosing Positivity Through Cancer and Chemo 74:15 - Minimal Chemo Side Effects and Gratitude Join Our Community: Sign up for our FREE website: https://thepatientstory.com/ Facebook:   / thepatientstory   Instagram:   / thepatientstory   Twitter:   / patient_story   TikTok:   / patientstory   For more breast cancer stories, click here:    • Breast Cancer Stories