Pregnant Woman, 29, Thought She Had Morning Sickness. Then, She Was Diagnosed with a Fast-Growing Cancer

Pregnancy is often a time of excitement and anticipation for many couples. However, for Sophia Yasin, a 29-year-old woman from Middlesbrough, England, what started as what she thought was morning sickness quickly turned into a harrowing battle with cancer. Sophia, who works in housing support, and her husband were overjoyed when they found out they were expecting a baby in June 2024. Little did they know that their lives were about to take a devastating turn.

As the pregnancy progressed, Sophia began experiencing severe symptoms including intense nausea, night sweats, and itchiness. Despite her concerns, those around her reassured her that these were normal pregnancy symptoms that would eventually subside. However, things took a drastic turn when Sophia collapsed at work during her second trimester, prompting a visit to the hospital. Initially suspected to have pneumonia, scans revealed a tumor over her heart, leading to a life-changing diagnosis of pre-mediastinal large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in September 2024.

The news was a devastating blow to Sophia, who found herself faced with an impossible decision. The cancer was growing rapidly, requiring immediate chemotherapy for any chance of survival. Tragically, the treatment necessary to save her life could harm or even endanger the life of her unborn child. After careful consideration, Sophia and her husband made the heartbreaking decision to terminate the pregnancy in order to focus on her treatment.

Despite the immense loss of their unborn child, Sophia found a glimmer of hope in her diagnosis. Being pregnant had pushed her to seek medical help, allowing doctors to detect the cancer in time. After a grueling six rounds of chemotherapy, Sophia was declared in remission in January 2025. However, the road to recovery has been a bittersweet one, as she continues to mourn the loss of her baby girl, Kainaat Pearl, while navigating life after cancer.

Looking towards the future, Sophia remains determined to turn her experience into something positive. She has set up a GoFundMe page to raise awareness and funds for Lymphoma Action, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by lymphoma. Through her fundraising efforts, Sophia hopes to honour the memory of her daughter and support others who are facing similar battles. Despite the challenges she has faced, Sophia’s resilience and courage serve as an inspiration to many.

Sophia’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected challenges that life can present, even in moments of joy and celebration. Her courage in the face of adversity and her determination to not only survive but also to help others is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit. As she continues to navigate the complexities of life after cancer, Sophia’s story is a powerful example of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable loss.