Lucy Turner, a 41-year-old from Edinburgh, is celebrating this Christmas with her newborn son, Sandy, after a harrowing journey battling stage three mouth cancer. Diagnosed on December 20, 2022, she faced a devastating choice between her health and her pregnancy due to the aggressive nature of her illness. Despite the grim prognosis and the difficult decision to terminate her pregnancy, Lucy has shown remarkable resilience and has been able to enjoy a joyful Christmas with her family this year.
The journey began three years ago, when Lucy discovered a lesion during a routine dental check-up. This led to a biopsy at St John’s Hospital, where she received the life-altering diagnosis. Doctors explained that urgent surgery and radiotherapy were necessary, but the harsh reality was that her baby would not survive the treatment.
“They made it clear that it’s either you or the baby or most likely neither because the baby won’t survive the treatment but you won’t survive without the treatment,” Lucy recounted. The emotional toll of her circumstances was compounded by the uncertainty surrounding her ability to speak after surgery.
In her search for alternatives, Lucy sought second opinions globally, hoping for a gentler treatment approach. “I think I annoyed NHS Lothian because I was saying, ‘Surely there has to be something gentler,'” she admitted. Ultimately, she underwent a complex operation that involved removing half of her tongue and reconstructing it with tissue from other parts of her body.
During her recovery, Lucy developed a personal rehabilitation plan that included activities such as belly dancing and speech drills. After a challenging period, she regained her speech and began to see a future filled with hope.
Last year brought unexpected joy when she discovered she was pregnant with her husband, Alejandro Torrealba. “I was absolutely delighted and baked a cake and made my husband’s favourite Venezuelan dish,” she said. This newfound happiness has allowed her to reflect on the importance of hope, particularly during the festive season.
Lucy expressed the belief that embracing hope is essential for anyone facing adversity. “I think this message we have, probably more strongly at Christmas, about hope and believing in a better future, absolutely has merit,” she stated. Emphasizing the value of peace during her recovery, she acknowledged that taking time for rest helped accelerate her healing.
Caroline McKinnel, co-centre head at Maggie’s Edinburgh, underscored the emotional struggles faced by women like Lucy. “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 noted.
Lucy’s journey from a devastating diagnosis to celebrating Christmas with her son is a testament to her determination and the support of those around her. As she prepares to spend this holiday season in New York, she encourages others facing similar challenges to believe in the possibility of recovery and happiness.
