In a remarkable turn of events, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant has successfully given birth to a healthy baby girl and is now cancer-free. Regina “Reggie” Hong, who was 15 weeks into her pregnancy when she received the grim diagnosis, faced the daunting prospect of treatment that could endanger her unborn child.
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Initially, Reggie, aged 35, was informed by her physician that due to the nature of her cancer treatment, she “should consider termination” of her pregnancy. This pronouncement sent shockwaves through both Reggie and her husband, Allen Hong, who found the idea of losing their unborn child profoundly distressing. “Our hearts just dropped. We just couldn’t imagine that,” Reggie shared. It was a tumultuous moment as they grappled with the devastating prognosis.
The pivotal moment came when Reggie decided to seek a second opinion at the University of Kansas Health System. There, she was met with a much more hopeful diagnosis. Doctors informed Reggie that it was indeed possible to treat her breast cancer without compromising her pregnancy. “We can successfully accomplish both goals of great cancer care and having a great full-term pregnancy,” stated Dr. Jamie Wagner, a surgical breast oncologist involved in Reggie’s care.
Dr. Wagner highlighted the importance of seeking a second opinion, especially in complex medical situations. “Fortunately, she sought a second opinion, and I think that’s the important aspect of her story—the value and radical change you can have in treatment recommendations by getting a second opinion,” she said, underscoring the need for patients to advocate for their health.
Reggie’s treatment team also included Dr. Marc Parrish, a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, who addressed misconceptions surrounding chemotherapy during pregnancy. He noted that while chemotherapy is generally avoided during the first trimester, the risks to the fetus diminish significantly after 12 weeks. “We know that it can make babies immunocompromised and cause anaemia; both of those are correctable outside of the womb,” he explained.
Following the successful treatment plan, Reggie gave birth to a daughter named Elena. The couple chose her name because it means “a light in the darkness,” a fitting tribute to the hope and joy their daughter brought them during a challenging period. “She was our light,” Reggie remarked, expressing her gratitude for their little girl.
In January, Reggie underwent a mastectomy and lymphadenectomy, which revealed that the chemotherapy had effectively reduced the tumour size from 4.2 cm to 1.9 cm. Following surgery, she received the uplifting news that she is now cancer-free. Allen expressed their relief, saying, “Hearing those words was overwhelming in the best possible way.”
Despite the positive outcomes, Allen acknowledged that their journey is far from over. “There is still a long road ahead—continued treatment, recovery, and rebuilding—but reaching this point feels like a huge milestone after everything this past year has brought,” he stated in a message to supporters through a GoFundMe campaign created to assist the family during their ordeal.
Reggie Hong’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking multiple opinions in healthcare, especially in the face of serious medical diagnoses. Her journey not only highlights the advancements in treating cancer during pregnancy but also the profound impact of hope and informed medical choices on patient outcomes.
As they navigate the challenges ahead, the Hong family is focused on cherishing their new addition, celebrating the life of Elena while reflecting on the remarkable resilience that brought them to this joyous moment.