Pregnant Brisbane mum Laura Corfield diagnosed with bowel cancer

A Brisbane mother, diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 22 weeks pregnant, has shared the torture of choosing between her own life and that of her unborn baby’s — but now a nerve-racking plan that might just save them both.

Laura and Braden Corfield. Picture – supplied.

A Brisbane mother and her husband have shared the raw moment they were faced with the torturous decision of choosing between her own life or that of their unborn baby’s after the 22-week-pregnant mum was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer.

Laura and Braden Corfield, both 35, of Norman Park, have spent the past four weeks attending appointments with their obstetrician, surgeon and oncologist — terrified of the impact of cancer treatment on their unborn baby boy — while also caring for their two-year-old daughter Quinn.

Late February, after months of seeking the cause of debilitating pain and persistent symptoms, Mrs Corfield finally had her answer — there was a cancerous tumour blocking her intestines.

What followed were some of the darkest days of her life, not knowing whether she or their unborn son would make it out alive.

Braden, Laura and Quinn Corfield. Picture – supplied.

Bravely, through tears, Mrs Corfield recalled their struggle and mental anguish.

“They told us having a baby before 28 weeks would mean only a 50 per cent chance of survival and a 75 per cent chance of him having a neurological disorder,” she said.

“He would be born not breathing and they’d have to resuscitate him … if that’s what we wanted.

“There was a real possibility of us losing our baby and lots of tears between us both. We were trying to focus on just getting through it but it was a juggling act of how do we keep us both alive and well.

“Choosing between me and the baby came up just once.

“My husband said ‘I will always choose you’. I wasn’t as agreeable.”

Braden and Quinn Corfield. Picture – supplied.

Miraculously, only days later, the couple received a life changing phone call as test results came in.

“They said we could push back the caesarean to 30 weeks and then again to 33 weeks. It’s been a huge relief and there shouldn’t be any issues outside of what’s normal for a premature birth,” Mrs Corfield said.

“We were both very conscious of trying to keep those horrible thoughts at bay and thankfully everything moved so quickly so we didn’t have long to dwell on it.”

Laura and Quinn Corfield. Picture – supplied.

Having already completed one round of chemotherapy, with just three more to go before the birth, Mrs Corfield said they’re hopeful for their family’s future.

“We’re feeling positive now and I’ve got a lot of people around me who love and support me,” she said.

“I was so sick in the lead up that now we know he will survive it’s almost a relief to know what’s wrong with me and that it wasn’t just all in my head. The stress of not knowing was worse.

“Whereas now we have a plan, we’re going to have our baby boy and I’m going to get through this treatment.”

Laura Corfield in hospital. Picture – supplied.

Despite her bubbly and optimistic demeanour, Mrs Corfield is still harbouring grave fears of the unknown.

“The chemo will get worse. It’s daunting to have another baby while so sick and I’m nervous about doing radiation with a newborn,” she said.

“Juggling looking after a premie baby, having a toddler, radiation, and a surgery to remove the tumour is terrifying to me.

“The guilt of having chemo and all of these invasive scans and tests while pregnant has also been eating away at me. But I’m just telling myself it’s going to be okay and trying to live one day at a time.

“I’m so grateful for my life and my family and friends. This has really put everything into perspective.”

Braden and Laura Corfield. Picture – supplied.

Mrs Corfield said she wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the love and support of her husband.

The couple met at a bar in Brisbane more than 13 years ago, and were married just six years ago.

“He’s been incredible and so amazing. He’s juggling running his surveying firm while also refusing to let me go to a single appointment alone,” she said.

“When I can’t get out of bed he’s cooking, cleaning, and looking after our daughter.”

Mrs Corfield said the takeaway lesson for her was the importance of getting tested.

“I really want to spread awareness. Young people can get bowel cancer,” she said.

“Doctors said I wasn’t high risk even though my grandma had bowel cancer and it took months and months of pain and symptoms before I was tested.

“We need to be more proactive and pushing for doctors to test earlier. You’ve got to catch it before it’s too aggressive and has spread to other organs.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the Corfield family through this traumatic and trying time. You can donate here.