Imagine being told that your dreams of expanding your family might be over, only to defy the odds and welcome not one, but two new lives into the world. This is the incredible story of Shelly Battista, a woman who faced a daunting breast cancer diagnosis, underwent rigorous treatments, and still managed to give birth to identical twin girls exactly two years after being declared cancer-free. Her journey is a testament to resilience, medical innovation, and the unyielding human spirit.​
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
In February 2020, while breastfeeding her newborn daughter, Emilia, Shelly noticed a persistent lump. Initially dismissing it as a clogged milk duct, she sought medical advice when it didn’t subside. At just 34 years old, with no family history of breast cancer, Shelly was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and the BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast and other cancers.
This revelation was both shocking and devastating for Shelly and her family. ​Understanding the aggressive nature of her cancer and the potential impact of chemotherapy on fertility, Shelly prioritized preserving her ability to have more children. She consulted with Dr. Kara Goldman, Medical Director of Fertility Preservation at Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. Together, they swiftly initiated fertility preservation, resulting in the freezing of eight embryos before commencing cancer treatment.
Battling Cancer: Chemotherapy And Surgical Interventions
Shelly underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a challenging regimen aimed at eradicating the cancer. Following chemotherapy, she opted for a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence. On December 9, 2020, she received the life-changing news that her pathology results were clear—she was officially cancer-free. However, the chemotherapy had induced ovarian insufficiency, leading to the cessation of ovarian function. Given her BRCA1 mutation and the associated high risk of ovarian cancer, Shelly made the proactive decision to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes surgically removed.
The Journey To Motherhood: Embarking On IVF
One year after completing her cancer treatment, in December 2021, Shelly was given the green light to pursue pregnancy. Despite the absence of functioning ovaries, medical advancements allowed her to proceed with in vitro fertilization (IVF) using her previously frozen embryos. Dr. Goldman emphasized that supplemental hormones can prepare the uterus for pregnancy even when the ovaries are no longer present. ​
The path to pregnancy was not without its challenges. The first embryo transfer did not result in pregnancy, and neither did the second. With six embryos remaining and a strong desire to expand their family, Shelly and her medical team remained cautiously optimistic. In April 2022, they proceeded with a third embryo transfer, hoping for a successful outcome.