(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Defeating all odds, 36-year-old Egyptian expat Rashida Mohamed Ismail Mahmoud fought cancer and delivered a healthy baby even after going through a number of grueling cycles of chemotherapy. News of her pregnancy was a big moment for Rashida as it was her third pregnancy and was induced after undergoing a number of intensive hormonal treatments.
It was during her 12th week into pregnancy that Rashida - already a mother of two daughters - felt a lump on her right breast. A mammogram test showed a suspicious mass in her right breast but she ignored it for few months until she underwent an ultrasound again. This showed an increased mass lesion on her breast. Later, she underwent tests, which reported the lump of mass as stage II of breast cancer.
Rashida and her husband visited the NMC Hospital at Abu Dhabi with a strong desire to keep the baby unscathed. Her case was then discussed at the tumour board comprising multiple doctors."
Dr Mohanad Diab, head of medical oncology at the hospital, said: "It is very hard to inform a pregnant woman that she has a cancer of an aggressive type that needs treatment without any delay. She was upset but not scared and was determined to go ahead with it."
Doctors warned her of the risks associated with cancer treatment during pregnancy, however, she pressed ahead. Rashida underwent a surgery, followed by chemotherapy and a team of doctors constantly monitored the growth of the child. In June 2017, Rashida gave birth to healthy baby girl.
"We named her Nour (which means light in English) because she is the light of hope that God gave us. I would like to tell everyone that we should never lose hope; be strong, positive and you can defeat the sickness," Rashida's grateful husband told Khaleej Times.
"Despite poor financial situation, my presence and work in the UAE allowed me to get my wife treated in time. I thank the medical staff who worked hard, my workplace and insurance company that covered all my expenses," he added.
The hospital staff lauded the couple's determination to fight the deadly disease together with optimism. "This lady is an ideal example of how one should always hope for the best even if the problem is big," said Dr Diab.
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