Treating Metastatic Breast Cancer While Pregnant: Jonise’s Story

For South Florida native Jonise S. Louis, a pair of discoveries would change her life forever twice in the span of about a week.

Five and a half years ago, Louis received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer — and a week after that, she learned that she was pregnant with her second child.

With the reassurance of her oncologist, she underwent chemotherapy while pregnant, eventually giving birth to a healthy baby boy who will turn 5 years old later this year.

During the 49^th Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference, Louis sat down for a candid conversation to share her story with CURE.

As part of the conference, Louis also participated in a panel discussion on the topic of the treatment of metastatic breast cancer with renowned City of Hope oncologist Dr. Hope S. Rugo as part of the CURE Educated Patient® Breast Cancer Summit, and you can read our recap of that panel discussion here.

Transcript

How scary was that, to get treated for breast cancer while you were pregnant?

It was very scary, just not knowing if I would even have the option to be treated while pregnant. The first doctor who I saw actually suggested termination of pregnancy to focus on treatment of the breast cancer, but after seeing my oncologist, who I'm still seeing today, who's phenomenal, she assured me that I would be able to be fully treated with while pregnant, and that the chemotherapy would not cross the placenta and affect the baby. So I went with that plan, and I'm still here.

Although he was not my first child, I just felt like, “Hey, God is the one who gives children,” and for me to just see that child, bring that child to life. That was just my ultimate goal. I knew that leaning on my faith would bring me through treatment and the pregnancy, and I would be just fine.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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