Mom starts chemo 15 days after giving birth to save her own life

Ariatna Rodriguez is 27 years old and has been cancer-free for two years. Her son, now three, is healthy and energetic. The family returned to Loma Linda University Health to visit the medical team that treated them, including medical oncologist Gayathri Nagaraj, MD.

Rodriguez discovered a lump in her breast during her second trimester of pregnancy in 2023. She examined herself one night before bed and felt the mass. Although her gynecologist had checked her breast one week prior, Rodriguez suspected the lump was more than a normal pregnancy change. She booked a follow-up appointment, where the doctor confirmed the lump and ordered an ultrasound and biopsy. Fifteen days later, she received a phone call confirming a breast cancer diagnosis.

At 32 weeks pregnant, Rodriguez was referred to the Loma Linda University Cancer Center. Her care team confirmed she had early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. Nagaraj noted that this type of cancer behaves aggressively. The case was complex because Rodriguez was in her third trimester and approaching her due date. The family faced a difficult choice between starting chemotherapy while pregnant or waiting until after delivery. Rodriguez and her family decided to deliver early to begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy immediately after.

Rodriguez was induced at 34 weeks to allow time for recovery before treatment. Complications arose during her postpartum period. She developed a hematoma that required emergency surgery. She remained hospitalized for five days and was unable to walk. Her son also required multiple emergency surgeries and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Despite these challenges, Rodriguez insisted on staying on schedule for her own treatment.

Nagaraj suggested holding off on treatment for another week to allow more recovery time. Rodriguez declined the suggestion. She stated that her priority was being well enough for her son. She began chemotherapy just 15 days after her son was born. Nagaraj observed that Rodriguez came in for treatment and then went up to see her baby in the hospital, even on her hardest days. The baby served as her motivation throughout the process.

On April 9, 2024, Rodriguez finished her chemotherapy regimen. On that same day, her son went home after a six-month hospital stay. The date marks a dual milestone for the family. Rodriguez had been fighting for both her life and her son’s health simultaneously. The timeline of her recovery aligned with her son’s discharge from the NICU.

Rodrigsa’s experience began with a routine self-examination. The lump was detected during a pregnancy check-up follow-up. The diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer in the third trimester created a tight window for medical intervention. The decision to induce labor at 34 weeks was a strategic move to minimize the time between delivery and the start of aggressive treatment. The family’s choice prioritized the mother’s immediate treatment to ensure her availability for her son’s care.

The medical team supported Rodriguez through the dual challenges of postpartum recovery and cancer treatment. Nagaraj described seeing Rodriguez with her baby as one of the most rewarding parts of her job. Rodriguez credits her faith for helping her through the experience. She believes her story and her son’s recovery demonstrate the existence of God. The family remains in regular contact with their care team at Loma Linda University Health.