Jillian Breslin, a young woman who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer while 23 ½ weeks pregnant, is urging others to listen to their bodies and seek medical help when something doesn’t feel right. This as-told-to essay has been edited for length and clarity. After her diagnosis, the doctors immediately discussed the possibility of terminating her pregnancy due to the aggressive nature of the cancer. Jillian had hope, as she had read stories of women giving birth as early as 22 weeks with healthy babies. However, in New York, where she lived, termination was only possible up to 24 weeks. After discussing with her family, Jillian made the difficult decision to proceed with termination in order to start treatment.
Jillian and her husband, James, found out about the pregnancy in January. They were excited to welcome a baby girl and give their two-year-old daughter, Emilia, a little sister. However, early on in the pregnancy, Jillian experienced extreme pain in her hip and back after a playful wrestling move with Emilia. Her doctor attributed the pain to pregnancy-related factors such as muscle stretching and the shifting pelvis. Despite seeking advice from friends and family, trying various therapies, and hoping the pain would subside after giving birth, Jillian’s condition worsened. She developed sciatica and experienced difficulty walking. During a doctor’s visit, James confronted the doctor about Jillian’s pain, leading to a series of tests that eventually revealed the cancer.
Jillian had been in denial about the possibility of cancer and was shocked when doctors delivered the devastating news. Fluid was extracted from her lungs, and the analysis confirmed stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. The cancer had spread to her lungs, liver, and brain. After the termination, Jillian underwent radiation and chemotherapy, with the unfortunate news that she would not be able to conceive again due to the targeted treatment areas.
Throughout this difficult journey, Jillian’s husband has been a pillar of support. They have shielded their young daughter from the severity of the situation, only explaining that the doctors are “fixing mommy.” Jillian finds solace in thinking that their lost baby, Story Rose Breslin, played a role in saving her life, as her symptoms were brought to light during her pregnancy. Although her treatment is ongoing, Jillian is determined to fight and witness her daughter’s growth.
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