“Thirty-three years old, a mother of a 2.5 year old and also six weeks pregnant was not when anyone would expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but that is my reality.  After the shock and awe wear away, you are left with dreadful thoughts of not being here for your growing young family but those thoughts must be fleeting because you have to fight for this life you’ve built! At 11 weeks pregnant I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and was given a diagnosis of stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer. I have completed 2 rounds of chemotherapy and will continue chemotherapy until about 36 weeks pregnant if all goes as planned. After delivery, I will have radiation and then surveillance. Anecdotally pregnant women tend to have minimal side effects from chemo and that has luckily been the case for me. I am inspired by all of the mothers who have been in my shoes before me and have shared their stories. I am thankful for the doctors who have researched cancer and pregnancy to know what is and is not safe. I am happy to be able to continue to live my life fairly normally during treatment and express gratitude each day for my wonderful family and my chance (albeit not a desirable one) to be a mother of two!” Cassandra, Mother

“Cassandra and her family were delightful to work with. Despite all that they have going on in their world she was so joyful and graceful. She and her husband were so loving and affectionate with one another and with their darling son, Rhys. Rhys is the sweetest little boy! I find capturing motherhood so beautiful because I get to capture the emotion and interactions as they happen. I capture the fun little personalities the kids are developing, the bond between family member, and most importantly I get to capture the most important chapters of their lives.” Sara, Photographer

STUDIO MAGNOLIA
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