Triumph amid trials: McKinleyville mom battles breast cancer while pregnant, delivers healthy baby boy

Receiving news you're pregnant is arguably one of the happiest and most memorable moments in a couple’s life. McKinleyville resident Chelsea Smith and her boyfriend Adam were no different when they found out in October 2023 that Chelsea was pregnant with the couple’s second child. Those feelings, however, were soon tempered when Chelsea faced a medical diagnosis that would not only affect her wellbeing but potentially that of her unborn child.

In November of that year, Chelsea noticed some unusual bruising on her breast. At first, she didn’t think anything of it, but when the bruising didn’t clear, she made an appointment to see her doctor. After an initial round of antibiotics, Chelsea still had bruising. At that point, her physician ordered a mammogram. On November 23, her doctor called and shared her results – she had breast cancer. Chelsea was six weeks pregnant.

“My whole world crashed,” shared Chelsea. “On one hand you're so excited that you’re pregnant but then hearing you have cancer – it just left me in shock.” 

The conflicting emotions of joy and fear overwhelmed her and caused uncertainty of what the future held. However, amidst all this, Chelsea was able to find a beacon of hope after being referred to Ellen Mahoney, MD. 

Dr. Mahoney, medical director of the Providence St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Program and renowned breast cancer specialist and surgeon assured Chelsea that chemotherapy treatment was possible even during her pregnancy.

“I have been at this long enough to remember when pregnancy was not allowed to continue when a young woman was diagnosed with breast cancer, but times have certainly changed,” said Dr. Mahoney. “One of the great benefits of my job is the constant reminder of how much grace and courage there is in people all around us—Chelsea and Adam are great examples. They faced this challenge with determination to protect their young family and with obvious love for each other.” 

Empowered by the support of Dr. Mahoney, nurses and staff in the Cancer Program and community groups she found on Facebook, Chelsea began chemotherapy with determination. Even though she experienced challenging side effects with each treatment, she drew courage and optimism from the fact that her chemotherapy was carefully tailored to improve her chances of a successful pregnancy while effectively fighting her cancer.

“I had treatment every three weeks instead of every two weeks,” said Chelsea. “The first couple of weeks I was in ‘zombie mode’. I’d sleep for three days straight. After the third week, I felt normal even though I was losing my hair.”

As Chelsea progressed through the treatments, the impending arrival of her son, Dane, served as a guiding light. The medical team recommended an early delivery at 34 weeks – six weeks premature – to allow Chelsea to resume her cancer treatment promptly after the birth.

On April 26, Dane was born in the neonatal intensive care unit at UCSF. Weighing in at just over five pounds; a weight goal Chelsea had set early on to ensure a healthy birth. Her protein rich diet included an unusual supplement thanks to her boyfriend, Adam.

“He’s a big deer hunter, so I was eating lots of deer meat throughout my pregnancy to help Dane gain weight.” 

In a twist of fate, a surreal encounter occurred on Chelsea’s first day back for treatment following the birth of Dane – a deer gave birth in front of Chelsea just outside the window looking out at the garden named after Dr. Mahoney at St. Joseph Hospital.

“That really was a crazy coincidence after eating all that deer meat,” remembered Chelsea. “We had seen deer in the garden throughout my treatment and for one to come back and gave birth right in front of me, it was amazing. I wanted to go out there and giver her ice chips and rub her belly.”

Now, with Dane flourishing and her cancer treatment progressing, Chelsea focuses on the little things, channeling her energy into remodeling her bathrooms, walk-in closet and three car garage!

“I’m physically feeling great, and Dane is a perfectly healthy little guy. I try not to think about the future too much and just focus on the present.”