Kansas City, Kan- Reggie Hong, diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant, initially faced a recommendation to terminate her pregnancy.
A second opinion from The University of Kansas Cancer Center saved both lives.
Reggie underwent chemotherapy and delivered her daughter, Elena, at 37 weeks. Her tumor shrank, and she recently completed her last chemotherapy treatment.
Reggie's story highlights the importance of second opinions and the support from her family and community, emphasizing that pregnant women can successfully navigate cancer treatment.
Reggie Hong, patient
- Reggie shares her emotional journey, describing the terrible feelings and moments of hope.
- She named her baby Elena, meaning "torch," symbolizing light in the darkness of cancer.
- Reggie describes her daughter, Elena, as a healthy and happy three-month-old.
Dr. Megan Thomas, OBGYN Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Thomas explains the importance of monitoring in high-risk pregnancies.
- She explains inducing Reggie at 37 weeks allowed for a full term pregnancy that recognized the need for cancer treatments.
Dr. Marc Parrish, OBGYN Maternal and Fetal Medicine, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Parrish explains the birth plan for someone balancing pregnancy and cancer.
- He discusses the frequency of cases like Reggie's- they are rare but becoming more common due to delayed maternal ages.
Dr. Ryan Rader, Hematologist and Oncologist Specializing in Breast Cancer, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. Rader discusses the types of cancer treatments appropriate for pregnant moms.
- He explains the progress Reggie made during her pregnancy- her tumor shrank. Surgery and radiation followed Elana’s birth.