Pediatric Neuropsychologist's Breast Cancer Battle During and After Pregnancy

A Devastating Diagnosis

• 🤰 Christina Ortega, a pediatric neuropsychologist, was diagnosed with a Her2 tumor, an aggressive form of breast cancer, at 19 weeks pregnant.
• ⚠️ The cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes, presenting a critical challenge for her and her unborn child.

Prioritizing Pregnancy and Treatment

• 👶 Christina's medical team assured her she could carry her baby to term, but treatment like radiation and drug therapy would need to wait until after delivery.
• ⚖️ She faced the agonizing decision of starting chemotherapy to manage the cancer, while also questioning if it would drastically decrease her survival odds.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Despite the risks, her team confirmed she would be there for her son, Gustavito, and her newborn daughter.

Facing Cancer and Hair Loss

• 🧠 As a neuropsychologist working with children fighting cancer, Christina understood the potential severity of her diagnosis.
• 😔 Witnessing the passing of other women with young children who had similar diagnoses deeply affected her.
• 💇‍♀️ Initially, Christina kept her hair to help cope, but eventually shaved it with her husband's help, later opting for head wraps.

Post-Birth and Aggressive Treatment

• 🎶 After delivering a healthy baby girl, Christina experienced a resurgence of anxiety about leaving her children.
• 🎗️ A few days post-birth, her treatment shifted to the most aggressive therapy targeting the cancer's cause, to which she responded exceptionally well.
• 💪 She managed the demanding treatment while caring for her newborn, her other child, and her husband.

A Message of Hope

• ✅ Today, Christina is cancer-free, happily raising her children and working with families facing similar challenges.
• 🌟 Her message emphasizes holding onto hope, acknowledging that life is unpredictable, and taking things one day at a time.
• 🤗 She advises accepting help when offered, as one does not beat cancer alone.
• 🗓️ Her comprehensive treatment spanned three years and included chemo, radiation, a double mastectomy, and plastic surgery.