Stacey Johnson, of Leawood, was pregnant when she got the news no woman wants to hear. She had breast cancer. The mom of a two-year-old little girl sought the trusted advice of her doctors at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Their recommendation was to get an abortion.
“Understanding that my case was unique, but not fully understanding all the options, this was a scary first opinion,” Johnson, a neonatal nurse, told the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Johnson, 31, got a second opinion from Dr. Lauren Nye, an oncologist with the cancer center, who discussed options that did not include abortion.
Next week she and her family will celebrate their new son William’s first birthday.
According to the American Cancer Society, “pregnant women can safely get treatment for breast cancer,” though the society notes that the “types of treatment used and the timing of treatment might be affected by the pregnancy.”
Pregnant women with breast cancer can undergo chemotherapy treatment, according to the society, as long as treatment is given during the women’s second or third trimester. Surgery is typically a safe option as well.
“I had ultrasounds every 10 days during chemotherapy to monitor the baby’s growth and blood flow. They tailored my treatment plan with two patients in mind: me and my baby,” Johnson told the cancer center.
While Johnson said she’s “been through the ringer” — she underwent a single mastectomy and chemotherapy while pregnant — she doesn’t regret her decision.
“I had someone else’s life to care about,” Johnson told KCTV-5, referring to her nearly 1-year-old son, William.
After giving birth to William on May 30 of last year, Johnson continued chemotherapy and began radiation treatment, which she recently finished. Once she completes her targeted therapy treatment this summer, Johnson hopes to have breast reconstruction surgery.
“My family needs me,” Johnson said, who is married and also has a 3-year-old daughter named Reese.
“Your perspective changes when you are faced with mortality,” she added. “I have such strong support from my family and friends.”
