Young breast cancer survivor celebrates birth of first child after cancer treatment

Dignity Health St. Joseph’s helps make dream of motherhood after cancer a reality

(PHOENIX - Oct. 24, 2024) - A young mom is celebrating the birth of her first child – a baby boy – who was born at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center nearly three years to the day after she learned she was cancer-free following an exhaustive battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brynna Coury, 34, wants to encourage other women touched by breast cancer to never give up on their dream of motherhood.

“Holding my baby boy in my arms is one of the best feelings in the world,” said Brynna. “I was meant to be a mom. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t know if I would be able to carry or raise a child of my own. It’s the greatest privilege of my life.”

Brynna was just 29 years old when she found a lump in her breast in December 2020. As a fourth generation breast cancer survivor, Brynna knew at the time she needed to see a doctor, and fast. The week before Christmas, she learned she had stage three triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive and invasive form of breast cancer that is more common in women under the age of 40.

Albert Wendt, MD, a breast cancer oncologist at Dignity Health Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s, started developing a plan of care for Brynna. Before treatment began, Brynna learned the treatment needed to save her life, might also reduce her risk of bringing another one into the world.

“Breast cancer affects one in eight women of childbearing years,” said Kendra Gray, DO, a maternal fetal medicine specialist with the Dignity Health Medical Group. “Some treatment options like chemotherapy can damage a woman’s ovaries and make it more difficult for them to become pregnant. Unfortunately, cancer treatment can also put some women into early menopause. Although it can be more challenging, it isn’t impossible to conceive after cancer.”

In Brynna’s case, in order to one day fulfill her dream of becoming a mom, she first had to survive breast cancer. With the support of her family and now-husband, Blaine, Brynna embarked on a nine month journey of intense chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. On October 1, 2021, she finished active treatment and was officially cancer-free.

“My breast cancer experience showed me how strong I am and showed me what I am made of,” said Brynna. “It also taught me to value what’s most important in my life –- which is the little moments with my family and friends. I don’t take a day with them for granted.”

Brynna went on to marry Blaine in 2023. The two continued to dream of one day growing their family. Three months after they exchanged vows, the couple received the surprise of a lifetime with a positive pregnancy test.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when the positive result appeared,” said Brynna. “For years, I almost grieved the fact that I might not become a mom because of cancer. But, when we were least expecting it, our biggest dream was coming true.”

Breast cancer survivors have a 60 percent reduced chance of getting pregnant compared to women from the general population, according to a recent study. Many breast cancer survivors who are able to conceive require a higher level of obstetric care to monitor them throughout their pregnancy. Brynna was referred to a group of maternal fetal medicine specialists, or high risk OBGYNs, within the Dignity Health Medical Group to keep a close eye on both her and the baby.

“There are a wide variety of conditions and complications that we closely monitor in our patients, especially those who are cancer survivors,” said Dr. Gray. “In Brynna’s case, we observed her heart and reproductive organs, which for some women can become damaged during cancer treatment. It’s incredibly important for cancer survivors to be treated by a clinical team experienced in caring for all types of high-risk pregnancy complications to ensure the health of both mom and baby.”

On Sept. 29, Brynna delivered her baby boy, Elias “Eli” James, via cesarean section at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s, weighing 9 pounds and measuring 21 inches long.

“I will never be the same now that Eli is here,” said Brynna. “He is an absolute miracle. God knew the desire of my heart to become a mom and I am overwhelmed with love and joy for this little boy who I get to watch grow up alongside my husband. We are so blessed.”

These days, Brynna and her husband are soaking up all the newborn snuggles and are grateful for every late-night feed and diaper change they get to have with their son.

“My advice to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer or survivors longing for a family of their own is to never lose hope,” said Brynna. “Surround yourself with those who lift you up and with a medical team who cares for you both physically and emotionally. You have so much life ahead of you.”

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