Mum diagnosed with cancer while pregnant wants to survive to watch children grow up

A Bass Coast mum of two and businesswoman is fighting for her life after she was diagnosed with aggressive cancer while 35 weeks pregnant.

Valerie Garcia already had an active two-year-old daughter when she was diagnosed with Stage three triple negative breast cancer while 35 weeks pregnant.

A Bass Coast mum and small business owner is facing the battle for her life after she was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer while pregnant with her second child.

Valerie Black already had an active two-year-old daughter when she was diagnosed with Stage three triple negative breast cancer while 35 weeks pregnant.

She had to be induced early so she could start chemotherapy two weeks after giving birth.

She has been through six months of intense chemo while trying to care for her newborn and daughter.

Friend Leanne Munchan has set up a GoFundMe page for the family.

Valerie Black already had an active two-year-old daughter when she was diagnosed with Stage three triple negative breast cancer while 35 weeks pregnant. Picture: GoFundMe

“It has been very stressful and has taken an emotional, physical and financial toll on her,” the fundraiser reads.

Mrs Black is supported by her husband but will soon be having an operation to remove the cancer followed by radiation and possibly more chemotherapy.

“What she is going through is unimaginable,” Ms Munchan said.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that makes up 10-15 per cent of breast cancers and is unable to be treated with the standard regimen of breast cancer drugs.

Valerie with her newborn.

Therefore treatment options are limited and survival rates are very low if not detected early.

With no family history of breast or other cancers Mrs Black’s family was in shock when they found out her diagnosis.

She was originally told the lump she found was a blocked milk duct from breastfeeding her daughter.

An obstetrician suggested she eventually get the lump checked further.

Valerie just wants to see her children grow up.

“Unfortunately when her biopsy results came back it revealed to be an aggressive and life-threatening cancer. What was meant to be an exciting time, awaiting the arrival of her baby boy, turned into the biggest challenge of her life and a time of fear and major uncertainty,” Ms Munchan said.

In addition to being a mother Mrs Black owned a successful small business on Phillip Island but has had to give up work due to the diagnosis.

“She hasn’t been working for the last six months and won’t be able to work for at least several more months,” Ms Munchan said.

“With debt and medical bills accrued there isn‘t much left over. She has also been seeking out alternative therapies and using expensive supplements to try to tackle the cancer holistically to complement the chemo.”

Valerie has already been through intensive treatment.

“This has become very expensive with costs running well into the thousands.”

Mrs Black’s “only wish” is to survive and watch her children grow up.

“She has always been such a hard worker and independent, and she won’t ask for charity so I am on her behalf,” Ms Munchan said.

You can help the family here.