A year later, woman reflects on how she battled cancer while pregnant

Despite being diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 14 weeks pregnant, Candice Valenzuela remained positive.

In the back of her mind, she knew that despite how aggressive the HER2-positve breast cancer was, she could survive.

"I could see the light at the end of the tunnel," Valenzuela said.

After surgery and about a year and a half of chemotherapy, she can cradle her daughter Zoey in her arms as a breast cancer survivor.

"Looking back, I don't know how I did it," Valenzuela said. "Only by the grace of God, I guess. But we are doing great. Everyone is healthy."

Her last round of chemotherapy was Sept. 24, and the device that administered the medicine was removed Oct. 4.

"Of course, I'll have my scars to remind me," Valenzuela said. "Not that I need reminding. I don't think I'll ever forget. But I am proud of my battle wounds."

Zoey celebrated her first birthday Sept. 12.

"She is healthy and no different than any other baby," Valenzuela said. "She is just about to start walking."

Valenzuela, who had to take time off from school when she found out about the cancer, returned this fall.

"I thought I could finish the degree while I was pregnant," Valenzuela said. "But then I found out about the cancer and had to take time off."

Instead of prolonging her absence, Valenzuela hit the books in September.

"The kids were returning, and I thought I would, too," Valenzuela said.

She expects to graduate in March from the University of Phoenix's online program with a degree in public health management.

Valenzuela attributes much of her success to her support system, which include her husband, Ivan, and other two children, Omar, 9, and Mia, 6.

"My husband was wonderful," Valenzuela said. "And my kids did what they could for me."

Valenzuela said the best outcome was also because of the cooperation that occurred among her doctors, including her perinatologist, Dr. Van Bohman at Desert Perinatal Associates, and oncologist, Dr. Mary Ann Allison at the Henderson office of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

"You have to make sure everyone is on the same page," Allison said.

When Valenzuela was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was given the option to terminate the pregnancy, which was a devastating thought.

To her surprise, she found that chemotherapy was an option and proceeded to fight the disease for the sake of her unborn daughter and her family.

At 5½ months, Valenzuela had surgery to remove the lump on her breast.

After Zoey was born, Valenzuela started more chemotherapy.

"At first, it was every week," Valenzuela said. "Then it became every three weeks in the last few months."

Valenzuela said the rounds of chemotherapy after her pregnancy felt less harsh on her body.

"My hair started to grow back," Valenzuela said.

For the next five years, Valenzuela has to take a daily pill to continue treatment.

Valenzuela said the only side effect is what she calls "chemo brain."

"It's like you have a shorter attention span and can't remember things," Valenzuela said. "It's like the word is on the tip of your tongue."

Allison said more and more women are talking about this side effect.

"It's not every one, but some are not as sharp," Allison said.

Allison said that as people exercise the brain by reading or doing puzzles, it should begin to repair itself.

Valenzuela said she didn't want to talk about her experience when she was first diagnosed, but now she is glad she can share hope.

She urges women to get regular checkups, and if something comes up, to learn more about their options.

"Don't be afraid of starting treatment," Valenzuela said.

Allison said she has had several patients in this situation.

"I am much more confident taking care of women who have breast cancer and are pregnant," Allison said. "I have taken care of many of these ladies. They are healthy today, and their babies are healthy."

Valenzuela hopes she can be living proof that women can survive breast cancer and keep their babies.

"I'm here," Valenzuela said. "The baby is here. We are both healthy."

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.