Lucy Turner, a 41-year-old mother from Edinburgh, is celebrating a remarkable Christmas this year, filled with joy and gratitude after her battle with aggressive mouth cancer. Diagnosed in December 2020, Lucy faced the heart-wrenching decision to terminate her pregnancy to undergo urgent treatment, yet she is now looking forward to spending her first festive season with her newborn son, Sandy.
A Tough Diagnosis and Heartbreaking Choices
Three years ago, Lucy received devastating news just before Christmas. During a routine dental check-up, a lesion on her tongue led to a biopsy, and on December 20, 2020, she was informed she had stage three cancer. Medical professionals outlined an urgent treatment plan involving surgery and radiotherapy, stating that her baby would not survive the necessary procedures.
The emotional toll was immense, as Lucy, a skilled UN policy adviser fluent in nine languages, grappled with the dual challenges of her health and impending motherhood. “They made it clear that it was either you or the baby, or most likely neither,” she recalled. Despite the grim prognosis, Lucy’s determination led her to seek second opinions across the globe, hoping for a gentler treatment option that would allow her to keep the pregnancy.
Overcoming Adversity and Embracing New Beginnings
Ultimately, Lucy proceeded with the recommended treatment, which involved the removal of half her tongue and reconstruction surgeries. This process not only altered her physical appearance but also severely impacted her ability to speak. “I really couldn’t recognize myself in the mirror,” she said, reflecting on the challenges she faced.
Despite these hardships, Lucy devised a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Through physiotherapy, facial massages, and speech drills, she fought to regain her voice. Her efforts paid off, and she slowly began to recognize herself again in the mirror. “I have hopes of recovering the ability to speak foreign languages,” she added optimistically.
Just as Lucy was finding her footing, she received joyful news in 2022: she was pregnant again, naturally, with her husband, Alejandro Torrealba, 45. “I was absolutely delighted,” she said, recalling how she celebrated with homemade treats. This unexpected pregnancy brought newfound hope and strength to her recovery journey.
As Christmas approaches, Lucy reflects on the significance of this season. “I think this message we have, probably more strongly at Christmas, about hope and believing in a better future, absolutely has merit,” she shared. “For people going through tough times, it is essential to hold onto that belief.” Lucy also emphasizes the importance of peace during challenging times, noting that taking a step back from life’s demands aided her recovery.
Caroline McKinnel, co-centre head at Maggie’s Edinburgh, highlighted the emotional complexities faced by women in similar situations. “Having to make a decision whether to continue with a pregnancy or not due to the need for urgent cancer treatment is one of the hardest things a woman could possibly face,” she stated. The organization offers support for individuals navigating the challenging landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
This Christmas, Lucy Turner is not only celebrating the birth of her son but also her resilience and the power of hope. With her family by her side in New York, she is poised to embrace the joys of the season, forever grateful for her second chance at life and motherhood.
