In an extraordinary medical feat, a baby boy has been “born twice” after surgeons performed a life-saving operation on his mother, Lucy, 32, who lives near Sonning Common in Oxfordshire. Lucy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 12 weeks pregnant, prompting a team of 15 doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford to step in. The five-hour operation at 20 weeks gestation involved lifting Lucy’s womb – with her unborn child inside – out of her abdomen to remove cancerous cells on both ovaries behind the womb.
Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern, affecting approximately 7,000 women in the UK every year and claiming the lives of over 4,000 women annually, according to Cancer Research. Due to the advanced stage of Lucy’s pregnancy, doctors opted to operate while she was still carrying her baby to prevent the cancer from spreading and endangering her life. The procedure, which posed risks to both mother and child, is a rare occurrence that has only been performed a few times worldwide.
Lucy’s journey began with a routine pregnancy test in the summer of 2024, which brought a wave of excitement upon confirming her pregnancy. However, a routine scan at 12 weeks revealed a concerning mass on her ovary, setting off a chain of events that led to the groundbreaking operation. Lucy expressed her gratitude for the medical team’s dedication and expertise, emphasizing that she felt well cared for during her hospital stay. With her son now safely delivered, Lucy looks forward to completing her treatment with a sense of relief that her baby is healthy and by her side.
Throughout the challenging ordeal, Lucy maintained her faith in the medical professionals who worked tirelessly to ensure the well-being of both herself and her unborn child. She reflected on the uncertainty that clouded her pregnancy journey, noting the contrast between initial concerns and the joy of seeing her son arrive safely. While facing unexpected obstacles, Lucy’s story stands out as a testament to the resilience and hope that carried her through a life-changing experience
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