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Lucy Turner’s life took a dramatic turn three years ago at Christmas when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of mouth cancer. Alongside this shocking news came another heartbreaking revelation: she would have to terminate her pregnancy. Despite seeking multiple medical opinions worldwide, the verdict was unambiguous – immediate surgery and radiation treatment were essential, but her unborn child would not survive the process. In addition to the daunting prospect of losing her baby, Lucy, a UN policy adviser fluent in nine languages, was informed that the surgery could leave her unable to speak.
The road ahead was incredibly challenging. Lucy faced the necessity of urgent medical intervention to combat the rapidly advancing cancer, which had already spread from her tongue to her neck. Doctors outlined a complicated and daunting surgical plan involving removal and reconstruction of her tongue using tissue from her arm, which itself would be rebuilt with abdominal tissue, alongside other extensive reconstructive procedures. They warned her about the potential loss of basic functions such as eating and speaking after the treatment. With the treatment’s urgency, postponing it until after childbirth was impossible. Despite her resistance and numerous second opinions, Lucy ultimately had no choice but to end her pregnancy at around 20 weeks, a decision that left her devastated.
The treatment dramatically altered Lucy’s body and life. Half of her tongue was removed, severely affecting her ability to speak, and her facial appearance changed significantly. “I really couldn’t recognise myself in the mirror because my face was enormous, this giant pumpkin head,” she recounted, describing her struggle to accept the changes. Undeterred, Lucy embarked on her own rehabilitation program, incorporating belly dancing, physiotherapy, facial massage, and speech exercises to aid her recovery. Over time, she regained enough speech ability to dream of mastering foreign languages once again. Her journey to motherhood did not end there; after a failed IVF attempt, she was overjoyed last year to conceive naturally with her husband Alejandro Torrealba. Their son, Sandy, was born on May 20, bringing immense joy and hope to their lives.
Reflecting on her experience, Lucy emphasized the importance of hope and peace during difficult times. “I think it is absolutely necessary for people who are going through a tough time to believe in that,” she said, highlighting the message of optimism that resonates especially at Christmas. She also spoke about how retreating from the world and embracing rest were crucial to her recovery, rather than trying to stay busy. Now living in New York, Lucy looks forward to celebrating her first Christmas with Sandy and Alejandro. She shares a newfound appreciation for the surprises life brings, noting how her son has taught her, “how magical and how unexpected and surprising life is.” Supporting individuals through such harrowing decisions is a focus at Maggie’s Edinburgh, where Caroline McKinnel, co-centre head, acknowledges the profound difficulty of choosing between pregnancy continuation and life-saving cancer treatment. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate support from diagnosis through recovery
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