Some families you just fall in love with instantly! This is one of those precious families, and look how adorable their kids are! I am so anxious to meet their newest family member. They also have a sweet story: “My husband and I considered being done having children after two. We have a daughter and a son, but as our youngest began to get older I just knew in my heart I wasn’t finished. We talked about it and finally decided one more baby was needed to complete our life! It took a few months to become pregnant with the final piece to our family”, explained mom Amy, “On the ultrasound day, Daniel and I brought our kids with us to find out the sex of our new blessing. He was a healthy baby boy and we had already fallen in love with baby Asher!” Unfortunately, their joy was interrupted when Amy discovered a lump in her breast during her 28th week of pregnancy. She went on to discover it was malignant and that she would need a biopsy just hours before her maternity session. “I pulled myself together got my kids and myself ready for our pictures. I highly enjoyed our maternity session and these photos are so important to me”, says Amy, “I found out shortly after that I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma. My mind was blank. I had no words. She went on to tell me the markers and staging weren’t back, but I would be set up with an appointment in the next week or 2. I got in with one of the oncologists the next week to hear the ‘plan’ and to learn more about what was going on in my body. Of course, treatment options are done during pregnancy for most women but I was already too far into my pregnancy. Treatment now would put us both in too great of risk for complications and infection at birth. She discussed my case with my OB GYN, and together they felt delivering at 37 weeks was best for baby and me. It was heart wrenching. All I could think about was the health of my baby. Then another thing I’ll never forget… The doctor said, “You also won’t be able to breastfeed because treatment will start as early as a week after baby Asher is here”. Breastfeeding is one of those things about having children I absolutely loved. I was mentally crushed.”
Although this sweet mom has a long road ahead, she has a great, positive attitude and I know that she is a fighter! “Though my journey with this has just begun, it really makes me enjoy the small things in life. Some may not know but the treatment can cause infertility, so I am thankful I do have my babies. What I wanted most in life was to be a mom!!! I reached out to the breastfeeding community and met some amazing women willing to help me by donating milk for my sweet baby boy! The outpour of prayers and offers of help have brought tears to my eyes thinking how amazing my support system is. I know it’s something I’ll get through. I know God gives his biggest fights to his strongest warriors and I won’t give up. I also encourage every person to be aware of their body and any changes! I am 28 years old and had zero risk factors. All any of us really have is this moment, right here, right now. So be present in each moment! Find joy in every day”, she encourages, adding a scripture that has brought her strength below. I’m so proud of this family and so grateful they will have these photos to celebrate the joy of this baby amidst the difficult season!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your request be made known to God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
What a beautiful story about everyone in a community rallying to support a young family in various ways, including #1 help -prayers to our heavenly Father. I especially love that other nursing mothers will give milk for baby Asher. May the Lord continue to be glorified through their journey. I am confident in a miraculous outcome on many levels.