**New Mother Diagnosed with Rare Cancer After Months of Dismissed Symptoms**
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A 24-year-old mother from Pembrokeshire, Wales, has shared a harrowing tale of her battle with cancer that began just days after giving birth. Tia Faye Clark experienced a journey of being dismissed by medical professionals over several months before receiving a proper diagnosis for a rare and aggressive cancer.
Clark welcomed her first child, daughter Robyn, on 14 September 2025. Two days later, she noticed a significant lump between her ribs. Describing her experience, Clark recalled, “The day after we brought her home from the hospital, my belly was all squishy and very tender. I discovered this lump and it was quite noticeable.”
Reacting to her symptoms, Clark informed two midwives who visited her at home. However, both downplayed her concerns, encouraging her to be patient given the recent birth. They advised her simply to wait for her body to recover from childbirth.
Eight weeks later, during her postpartum check-up, Clark raised the issue again. She urged her doctor to examine the lump, who ultimately attributed it to the natural separation of abdominal muscles that occurs after giving birth. The doctor suggested that exercise, specifically sit-ups, would help restore her abdominal integrity.
Despite her persistent efforts, Clark saw a total of seven medical professionals who did not take her symptoms seriously. Finally, after experiencing debilitating stomach pain, she made the decision to go to the hospital on 29 December. Imaging tests revealed the shocking diagnosis: a 15 cm tumor in her pelvis and an 18 cm tumor on her liver. Clark was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Sarcoma, a rare cancer that predominantly affects the connective tissues in the abdomen and pelvis. Statistics indicate that the five-year survival rate for this cancer is extremely low, around 15%.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Clark expressed her frustration, saying, “I went from being fobbed off with ‘You’ve just had a baby’ to being told ‘You’ve got cancer.’” While in the hospital, staff questioned why her previous healthcare providers had failed to identify the cancer sooner. “I felt like nobody wanted to hear what I had to say,” she lamented. “If things had been addressed back in September, my situation could be an entirely different story.”
As she embarks on a course of chemotherapy aimed at shrinking the tumours and halting the cancer’s progression, Clark remains gravely aware of the gravity of her diagnosis. “It makes me mad to think about it now because they’ve told us there’s nothing they can do. It’s aggressive and terminal,” she stated.
The emotional weight of her diagnosis is particularly heavy as a new mother. “It’s hard to think about the experiences I might miss out on,” Clark remarked. Preparing for the future has become a painful yet necessary task, as she strives to create lasting memories with Robyn. Clark has begun compiling photo albums and writing birthday cards for her daughter, expressions of love for occasions she hopes to witness.
The community has rallied around Clark in her time of need, with a GoFundMe campaign established to alleviate some of the financial burdens she faces in light of her condition. This fund aims to provide support that allows her to prioritise her health and create cherished moments with her baby girl.
“It’s a tough position to be in, especially as a new mum,” she added. “I just think I shouldn’t have to be doing this.” Through her ordeal, Clark continues to battle her condition with courage and hope, hoping to make the most of the time she has with her daughter.
As her story spreads, it serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to patients and validating their concerns. Clark’s journey highlights the critical need for awareness and understanding surrounding rare cancers and the experiences of individuals navigating postpartum health challenges.