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Article ‘Just A Few Weeks Into My First Pregnancy, I Found A Lump …’

Reshu Basnyat, Melbourne Mum
October 15, 2025

16 Comment

I was diagnosed with triple positive aggressive breast cancer in July 2023 while pregnant with my first child. I was 33.

While I have a family history of cancer, surprisingly my genetic test results came back negative. Near the end of my first trimester, my husband and I were overjoyed, dreaming of our life as parents but a small lump in my breast grew more difficult to ignore. After a series of tests, I was told I had triple positive aggressive breast cancer.

The weight of it, cancer while pregnant, was almost too much to bear.

In August 2023, I had surgery to remove the lump, but my world came crashing down again when we discovered the cancer had spread to one of my lymph nodes.

Soon after surgery, I began chemotherapy in September 2023, receiving four rounds every two weeks until my second trimester. After delivering my fighter baby, I resumed treatment in January 2025 with 14 rounds of intense weekly chemo, followed by 17 rounds of targeted therapy and 15 rounds of radiation.

From May 2025, I started long-term hormonal therapy, involving injections and tablets for the next five years. Along the way, there were countless emergency room visits, but I kept fighting every step of the way.

I still remember the BCNA Pink Lady visit in July 2023, which my sister had arranged for me. Seeing so many women bravely fighting breast cancer gave both me and my husband immense strength and reassurance that we weren’t alone. I also began researching on my own, though there was limited information about cancer during pregnancy and the effects of chemotherapy. What little I found helped me stay informed and motivated throughout my journey.

This is also why I want to share my story – to provide others with more knowledge and hope.

During treatment my husband’s unwavering support and my growing baby bump became my greatest
motivators to fight every single day. My pregnancy gave me a strength I never knew I had. I often said, “My baby gave me power.”

Emotionally, treatment felt incredibly isolating. I’m naturally social and bubbly, and I missed the laughter,
the outings, the simple moments with my sisters and friends. On top of that, I had so many plans I had to put on hold but my husband went out of his way to make sure I still experienced as much as possible, and for that, I feel truly blessed.

Physically, it was overwhelming to balance the demands of cancer treatment while nurturing life inside me.

Socially, I faced the heartbreak of realising that some people pulled away, yet I was also reminded of the
incredible love and strength of those who showed up and supported me more than ever. Through the fear, the pain, and the uncertainty, I learned the power of love, family, and resilience.

Cancer, or any illness, doesn’t define you. Even in the hardest times, you can still find joy, hope, and
strength. It’s okay to ask for help, take things one day at a time, and let yourself feel both strong and vulnerable. I had many breakdowns, felt scared, and often wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” But
over time, I realised that so many others are going through similar experiences, and that difficult phase will pass.

My wonderful partner and family were my biggest support, holding me through every breakdown and
reminding me I wasn’t alone. Surrounding yourself with love, letting go of negativity, and living life on your own terms has been my greatest lesson. Cancer taught me that even in the toughest moments, you can find hope, strength, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Campaigns like Tetley’s Uncomfortable Cup open doors to conversations many people shy away from or
even fear about cancer, fertility, body image, and survival. These conversations can feel difficult, but they
have the power to save lives.

I went through miscarriage, a D&C process, and then cancer. Talking about these experiences helped me
feel lighter, instead of hiding them away. Growing up with my Nepalese background, topics like miscarriage were never spoken about, and that silence caused me so much trauma. Slowly, I began reading and learning more, and I realised that sharing truly helps. That’s why, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I chose to share my story openly because knowing more helps you realise you’re not alone.

I hope Uncomfortable Cup encourages women to listen to their bodies, speak up early, and remember that they’re never alone.

My story is a reminder that uncomfortable conversations can save lives, and no one should have to face
breast cancer in silence. Women can fight any situation if they have the support, love, and understanding of their partner and family.

Breast Cancer Network Australia helps ensure that all Australians who are affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support. For more information go to bcna.org.au or call the free and confidential hotline on 1800 500 258.

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Comments

  • What an incredibly inspiring and powerful story. Pregnancy alone can drain every ounce of strength you have, so I can hardly imagine the courage it took to face both that and chemotherapy at the same time. Your story is a reminder that strength comes in many forms. Your husband’s support through it all also speaks volumes too. Congratulations also on the safe arrival of your beautiful baby.

    Reply

  • You have been through so much. I’m glad you have a beautiful baby but sorry you have had to deal with cancer. What worries me is that some of your friends pulled away not able to cope with your cancer diagnosis. I think they will feel guilty (or at least they should). Surround yourself with good people who care.

    Reply

  • I’m so incredibly sorry for anyone who has been affected by cancer! It takes such amazing strength and I’m so thankful for our health system looking for early detection and treatment options! It really brings such sadness to see what she went through and I really hope a cure is found soon! Until then, regular checking is mandatory

    Reply

  • Thank you for sharing this and brining awareness to everyone to always be vigilant and not be scared to ask and have things checked out

    Reply

  • What a frightening time and made even more scary because of bub.
    Im so glad to hear that things have worked out and both you and bub are doing well.
    My husband was diagnoised with a rare type of blood cancer and to start with he said “Why me?”… the bigger question is “Why not me?” … he handled things really well but passed away 6 years ago. I was amazed at his strength

    Reply

  • Thank you for being brave and sharing the story. Your daughter and yourself are gorgeous! My friends wife just found out she’s got breast cancer and is getting a double mastectomy this week! Your comment about some people pulled away really hit as well… it can be confusing and hurtful why some people do that, but yes, focusing on those who focus on you is the best way forward. Thanks for mentioning BCNA Pink Lady… I’m looking into this now!

    Reply

  • You’ve been on an amazing and scary journey while awaiting the most incredible time of your life. It must be so trying and worrying. I wish you all the best on your recovery journey and your push to keep moving forward. Enjoy your beautiful family and keep looking forward every day.

    Reply

  • Oh my God, you are truly an amazing woman and a fighter. You went through so much and was pregnant! It must have been so overwhelming and difficult, AND scary! I am amazed how dealt with everything and stayed strong for your health and for the sake of your baby and family.

    Reply

  • I have a friend who was diagnosed with bowel cancer during pregnancy. It was horrendous for her and everyone who loved her. I am in awe of the courage shown by women in this situation. I send them all my best wishes, and I hope for the very best for the lady featured here.

    Reply

  • You are such a strong lady and awesome mama to have braved through so much with courage and smile. Your baby is so lucky to have you!

    Spreading awareness os so important when it comes to cancer and equally important is the support for sure because I have seen people in famy and friends fight through it and its so so hard!

    Reply

  • What a truly brave and inspirational woman and mum! At a time when she should’ve been filled with joy of a new baby, it was overshadowed by the dreaded “C” word. I just can’t imagine. The Tetley Tea Uncomfortable Cup campaign is a fabulous way to encourage women to speak up and don’t give up. If in doubt, get a second opinion.

    Reply

  • Wow, just wow. I can’t imagine going through all of that during pregnancy and after giving birth. I was a mess just from normal life, hormones, and sleep deprivation after my first. What a truly inspiring woman to get through all those hurdles, and still remain standing. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Reply

  • What a truly inspiring story! What a fighter! Just being pregnant in itself zaps the strength out of you, I can’t imagine dealing with that and chemo at the same time. I am so glad she’s okay now and that she has a beautiful, healthy baby. She is certainly very resilient and strong.

    Reply

  • What n inspiring story, thanks so much for sharing ! I do think that sharing truly helps because in the end of the day we are not meant to do life alone and fight are battles alone. Without sharing you cannot receive the love and support you need. I can only imagine the fear this diagnosis brought to you during your pregnancy and I’m glad to hear you became stronger in the process ! xx

    Reply

  • The strength and courage it takes to go through cancer then have to battle the treatment is one that no one truely understands unless you’ve been through it or have had family supporting you through it. We know it well. Your husband is an amazing person to be supportive, especially during pregnancy too.

    Reply

  • I absolutely agree that a lot of people are reluctant to talk about some things – to the point where they actively avoid people who are having difficult experiences. I’ve seen that in action myself after losing a child. But it is very important for everyone that we get better at having uncomfortable conversations.

    Reply
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