Mom Told To End Pregnancy To Start Treatment. Her Decision Changed It All
Alicia Harris survived cancer while pregnant, but the challenge she never expected began after treatment ended.
At 14 weeks pregnant, Alicia Harris, a 37-year-old woman from Tampa, faced an agonizing decision. She had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of early breast cancer and was told that beginning treatment immediately required ending her pregnancy. Harris, however, was determined to give birth to her baby. She sought second opinions and found a doctor who had previously treated a pregnant woman with cancer.
Following her doctor's advice, Harris continued her pregnancy while undergoing treatment. Despite the physical strain of both pregnancy and chemotherapy, Harris managed to endure, with the help of her supportive family. However, she faced additional challenges when she contracted COVID-19 during her treatment, leading to a temporary pause in chemotherapy.
Harris found it difficult to connect with others who had experienced both pregnancy and cancer, but discovered an online community of pregnant cancer patients that provided much-needed emotional support. After recovering, Harris became an oncology nurse, helping other patients navigate the unique challenges she had faced. She also founded Journi for Two, a nonprofit supporting pregnant women with cancer, and became involved with the About Damn Time campaign, which focuses on survivorship.
Harris believes that survivorship is often overlooked and remains a critical aspect of the cancer journey.
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