Beth’s Cancer Story
Rounding with Patients: Beth’s Story — Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
Cancer brings many different emotions, yet when faced during pregnancy, it demands an extraordinary level of courage and resilience. Beth’s story shines a light on the complexities of undergoing cancer treatment while pregnant and highlights the exceptional care and support provided by her healthcare team.
In September 2018, Beth faced the dual challenge of battling cancer while carrying her unborn child. Her story illustrates the power of hope, the strength of a supportive medical team and the joy of welcoming new life during personal health battles.
Q: Why did you choose St. Elizabeth Healthcare?
Beth chose St. Elizabeth because of its reputation for excellence in cancer care, particularly for pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer. “From the beginning, I felt heard and I believed I would be well cared for,” says Beth. “My surgeon, Dr. Heidi Murley, understood my fears. But she made me feel hopeful about my pregnancy despite cancer. She talked to me like somebody who is also a mom. She knew this was incredibly scary for me, yet she made me excited about having a baby.”
Living and working in Ft. Thomas meant Beth could easily get her treatments. “I wanted to maintain normalcy. I wanted to go to work, be with my students and easily get to my appointments. I could do that just 10 minutes from my home at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Care – Ft. Thomas.”
Q: What was your experience like at St. Elizabeth Healthcare?
“We were trying for a baby when I discovered I had cancer,” says Beth. From the moment of her diagnosis, she was surrounded by a culture of compassion. “Every interaction was incredibly caring,” she says.
Dr. Murley and medical oncologist Brooke Holbrook, MD, reassured and guided Beth through her fears and treatment plan. “Dr. Murphy sat down with me, took my hand, and said, we can do both these things – take care of you and your baby. And in that moment, I felt comforted,” Beth says. “She had treated pregnant breast cancer patients before, so I felt like that was God’s intervention.”
Facing a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, Beth underwent a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. “I was scared, but I had to trust that my baby and I were in good hands,” she said.
Nancy Jarvis, RN, and Dayna Summe, RN, oncology nurses at the cancer center in Ft. Thomas, are examples of the compassionate, expert care St. Elizabeth is known for. “We try to keep the environment uplifting and positive, but we also share in their tears,” says Jarvis. Summe adds, “We embrace the whole person, focusing on holistic healing. It’s crucial to us and our patients.”
Q: What are you most thankful for during your cancer care experience?
Beth is deeply thankful for her medical team’s exceptional care and human connection. She is even more grateful for the safety and health of her daughter, born during her battle with cancer.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the care I received,” Beth says. “They truly went above and beyond, making me feel supported every step of the way. And when you’re fighting for two, that support means everything.”
“This is the most incredible group of medical professionals because they care about my family like their own,” she says. “Cancer feels like a family diagnosis, and I know it was incredibly hard for my husband. Yet he felt so loved and cared for, too.”
“It hit hard, knowing we were responsible for two lives at once – the patient and the baby,” Jarvis says. “Our patients become like our families, deepening our commitment to their well-being.”
The birth of Beth’s daughter on May 21, 2019, became a significant milestone – it symbolized hope and victory. “The day she was born perfectly healthy was the moment all struggles seemed worth it,” Beth recalls. “I finished my last treatment on May 21, 2020, exactly a year to the day my daughter was born.” It marked the full circle of her journey.
Jarvis knows the importance of resilience and milestones for her healing patients. “As much as we give as caregivers, we receive twofold back from our patients,” she says.”. “Knowing that Beth and her baby are healthy means the world to me.”
Q: What memorable part of your experience do you want to share with others?
Beth’s most memorable moment was the birth of her healthy baby girl, a victory over her cancer. Completing her treatment on her daughter’s first birthday reminds her of the journey’s significance. “We celebrated this milestone as a moment of triumph and gratitude.
Ashley Coleman, APRN, an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner at the Ft. Thomas location, is inspired by her patients. “I love the patients I care for, and I love being a part of their lives, hearing their stories, and interacting with them daily. Their strength and courage are an inspiration.”
“St. Elizabeth is a lifeline for me. I wouldn’t be here without them,” Beth says. “My daughter wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the care I received.”
Q: What advice would you give someone in a similar situation?
Beth advises others battling cancer: “Take it one day at a time, focus on positive moments and avoid dwelling on negativity.”
Also, connect with cancer community organizations to find support and share experiences. “I’ve met people in Cincinnati and those who live out of town,” Beth says. “And that has been important to me. It is part of our family’s healing process, being able to get involved.”
Q: What are your hopes for the future?
Beth has reached her five-year mark without cancer and is ready to experience life’s milestones with her husband and daughter. “She is our one and only, and I look forward to seeing her reach all the different stages of life.
“I want to have a positive outlook and be an example for my daughter,” Beth says. “I want to take this experience and do something good with it and show her that just because something bad happens to you doesn’t mean the world is ending. You can take a challenging experience and make something positive out of it.”
