By  Roxanne Martinez, Patient of Dr. Robyn Young 
The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
Fort Worth-Central Campus
 

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     Imagine starting the holidays learning you are pregnant, then being diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer days later. That was the predicament I found myself in last November. Days after receiving my devastating diagnosis and with a whirlwind of emotions, I met Dr. Robyn Young at The Center.

     While my ob/gyn advised that I wait until meeting with
Dr. Young to determine the best plan of action, I had already made up my mind that I would be fighting my battle for two.

Roxanne Martinez with daughter, Serenity - December 2011

     Dr. Young's knowledge and
expertise gave me the confidence I needed to proceed with treatment while pregnant, which would include a mastectomy and chemotherapy.

     Coping with breast cancer while pregnant was never easy, as there was absolutely nothing any physician could tell me that would completely alleviate all my fears.

     However, Dr. Young, Helena Iannaccone, and all of The Center's staff always did their best to make me feel comfortable and at ease while receiving treatment.

      During my battle, my family and friends helped me, uplifted me and even raised funds for my medical expenses. But it was fellow survivors that gave me hope. Another Center survivor that I met through a Look Good, Feel Better class would ultimately give me the best advice on my journey. "Remember, attitude is everything," Dora told me. I watched as she completed her treatment with such a positive outlook, knowing that would soon be me too.

     On the day I was scheduled to receive my final chemo treatment, I instead gave birth to my daughter. Born six weeks premature, but perfectly healthy, my tiny miracle had arrived and I finally had serenity. Thus, her name would be Serenity Milagros (Milagros meaning miracles in Spanish). Unlike me, who by this time was completely bald, Serenity was born with a full head of hair. Five days after delivery, Serenity and I were both able to go home.

     Last year the holidays were a challenge, but I am so grateful that I received treatment at The Center, a place where I found compassion, but most of all, where I found hope.