Brisbane mum Karyn Love diagnosed with cancer the same day she gave birth

A Brisbane mum who was diagnosed with stage four cancer the very same day she delivered her baby says she’s living every day to the fullest.

Brisbane mum Karyn Love was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer the same day she delivered her baby Billi at 29 weeks via emergency c section.

Brisbane mum Karyn Love, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer the very same day she delivered her baby, says the love for her miracle baby has given her the will to live.

Ms Love’s world was turned upside down when repeated visits to the hospital revealed her back pain was something far more sinister than just pregnancy related pain.

“A lot of my symptoms could be explained through pregnancy, with the swelling and back pain that I had,” she said.

“But then it just got too extreme and my body was in so much pain.

“They said you’re very sick and if you don’t have this baby now, you’re both not going to make it.”

Brisbane mum Karyn Love was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer the same day she delivered her baby Billi at 29 weeks via emergency c section.

Billi was born at 29 weeks via an emergency caesarean.

“They did more tests and scans, they (the doctors) said ‘we just want to rule out cancer’,” Ms Love said.

“I’m the poster child for perfect, I eat organic, I live a really holistic clean lifestyle and the idea of cancer was like ‘oh that’s not me’.”

Just an hour after her first child was born the 38-year-old was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.

“She (the doctor) held my hand and said I’m sorry we couldn’t rule it out,” she said.

“It was such a shock … but I had someone to live for.”

The cancer had spread to her liver, bones and optic nerves and she was told her prognosis was poor and she wouldn’t leave the hospital.

“There was a moment where first I believed what the doctors told me, to get my affairs in order and that I didn’t have much longer to live,” Ms Love said.

“But as soon as I held my daughter, that’s when I realised the will to live and there was no doubt in my mind I have to live for my daughter.”

Brisbane mum Karyn Love was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer the same day she delivered her baby Billi at 29 weeks via emergency c section.

The Riverhills woman has since defied the odds.

Through courage and determination, Ms Love left hospital less than two weeks later.

She started hormone blockers, daily chemotherapy, a long list of complementary medicines, holistic treatments, meditation and an organic, alkaline diet.

Ms Love said at the beginning her journey seemed “quite dark” but thanks to a blossoming community she has turned a corner.

“I didn’t know how I was going to get through it and night after night I would almost be crying along with my daughter,” she said.

“What I’ve found to be the most touching and humbling is how the village, the community and other mums have all rallied behind me.

“They nourished my daughter, supported and cared for me.

“My family live in Melbourne so I didn’t really have many people here in Brisbane.”

Brisbane mum Karyn Love was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer the same day she delivered her baby Billi at 29 weeks via emergency c section.

When Ms Love recently went for her follow up with the oncologist her doctor was impressed by her results.

Many of her tumours had shrunk and her liver was returning to its normal size and appearance.

“I was in such pain, my body was in a lot of pain but now I can go for walks, I can see,” she said.

“The cancer is still in the body … my body is starting to get well and the doctors are saying now I have more of a future.

“Before they gave me a week to live now they’re saying ‘enjoy the life you have with your daughter now’.

“They won’t be able to get rid of the cancer but they will be able to give me an extended life with the treatment.”

Billi is now a bubbly, beautiful five month old bub and Karyn is focused on living life to it

“I’m cherishing the moments I have with my girl,” Ms Love said.

“Everyone wants to fight cancer, fighting what you fight fights you back.

“I chose to befriend cancer and love it instead of fight it and I feel that softens the body and allows me to gently heal my body.”

Brisbane mum Karyn Love was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer the same day she delivered her baby Billi at 29 weeks via emergency c section.

Ms Love is now focused on leaving a legacy for her daughter.

“In the time that I am with her, I just want to be present in the now,” she said.

“It’s unknown what the future hold for all of us.

“But I do have these beautiful moments with my daughter now.

“I do little recordings and videos and write letters to her, things that she can have in her future if I’m here in presence or in spirit.”

Brisbane mum Karyn Love was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer the same day she delivered her baby Billi at 29 weeks via emergency c section.

Natural medicine practitioner Camilla Chaplin started a fundraising campaign for the single mum to help her raise Billi for as long as possible.

“Karyn has friends and a few incredible volunteers who help for a few hours where they can, “ Ms Chaplin wrote.

“The most critical thing Karyn needs moving forward is consistent, reliable, overnight care for Billi so she can get the rest she so desperately needs. “

The need for a night nanny and extra care spurred on the GoFundMe fundraiser.

“All mothers needs a village to raise their children, a sick mother needs more than a village,” Ms Chaplin said.

So far more than 580 people have donated more than $40,000.

If you want to read more about Karyn and Billi’s story or to donate visit this link.