Introducing Joanna
Joanna was diagnosed in July 2019, just six months after the birth of her first daughter.
She had suffered with a series of health issues for over a year, all of which were put down to her being pregnant. By the time she was diagnosed, she was stage IV - meaning incurable.
"A stage IV cancer diagnosis at that time of my life was just horrendous. Looking at the little girl I'd just grown inside at the same time as cancer was invading my body was mind-blowing."
Joanna lost nearly 2 stone while pregnant, suffered repeated chest infections resulting in 12 rounds of antibiotics over 14 months. Her voice has also become permanently hoarse, and she was also breathless and suffered fatigue.
"Looking back, I had all the classic lung cancer symptoms, but I was dismissed due to age and smoking status."
Joanna was shocked to find herself pregnant again last year, nearly two years into her diagnosis.
"We were told we couldn't have more children so it was a real surprise. But we did some research and found some women in the US that had had successful pregnancies whilst on targeted therapies for ALK+ so we decided to go ahead. It was clearly meant to be and our little miracle was born safe and well in June 2021."
Joanna lives her life to the fullest with her loving husband Daniel and two little girls. Joanna truly believes that hope can conquer anything. Despite having progression last year and moving on to her last remaining treatment line, Joanna remains optimistic for the future. "Knowing ALK+ International is working so hard to secure not only mine, but thousands upon thousands of people's futures fills me with so much determination to keep going. That, and knowing I WILL see my babies grow up. I have hope - that's all I need."
Originally posted June 2022.
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