10TV: Mother Diagnosed with Breast Cancer While Pregnant Shares Her Story

Becoming a new mom already comes with its own set of challenges. But for one woman, becoming a new mom came with a lot more than just your usual new mom struggles.

Adriana Lashley, who works on OhioHealth’s CareConnect team was diagnosed with breast cancer at her 30 week ultrasound. Lashley knew what this meant having seen her mother survive breast cancer twice, but was unsure of this this meant for the health of her baby, being just one in 3,000 women to be diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy.

“I didn’t think it was possible, I’m too young, I’m pregnant, I’m supposed to be worried about getting my vitamins. All of a sudden I had to worry about treatment,” Lashley told 10TV reporter Karina Nova in a recent interview.

Lashley was induced just five weeks later and immediately started treatment at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. “It’s tough, stressful, sad, you get your warrior face on, you think let’s do this, let’s have this baby,” said Lashley.

Lashley’s mom was her greatest support system. Holding healthy baby Emma, and being an example of strength and resiliency. “I knew what she would go through, the treatment, the surgery, she’s too young, it’s not really easy,” said Adriana de le Pena, Adriana’s mother, who works for OhioHealth Cancer Services.

Lashley is currently recovering from reconstructive surgery. She told 10TV it will be six to eight weeks before she can hold her daughter but is determined to push through to pass along a strong message to her daughter.

“Any obstacle, any challenge that she can face it with strength. Knowing that my family has been through worse, we can get through anything.”

OhioHealth recommends women of average risk should schedule annual mammograms beginning age 40, as well as monthly self-breast exams to help prevent against breast cancer. Women should also talk to their doctors to make individualized plans. If you are at a higher risk may need more frequent screening. To schedule an OhioHealth mammography appointment click here.  To view the entire 10TV story, click on their logo below.