Lucy Turner, a 41-year-old from Edinburgh, is celebrating her first Christmas with her newborn son, Sandy Torrealba, after overcoming a harrowing battle with aggressive mouth cancer. Diagnosed on December 20, 2020, Turner faced the heartbreaking decision to terminate her pregnancy due to urgent treatment requirements. Despite the devastating prognosis, she has emerged victorious, reflecting on her journey with newfound hope.
Her cancer journey began during a routine dental appointment when a lesion was discovered on her tongue. Following a biopsy at St John’s Hospital, she received the diagnosis of stage three cancer. Medical professionals advised that the treatment necessary for her survival would likely lead to the death of her unborn child. They explained the urgency of excising the tumor, which would involve complex reconstructive surgeries that could severely impact her ability to speak and eat.
“They made it clear that it was either me or the baby, or most likely neither,” Turner recounted. Faced with this grim reality, she sought second opinions from specialists worldwide, hoping for a less invasive solution. “I think at certain points I annoyed NHS Lothian because I was saying, ‘Surely there has to be something gentler,'” she said, reflecting on the frustration of wanting to preserve her pregnancy while battling cancer.
Eventually, Turner underwent surgery to remove half of her tongue. The operation altered her appearance and made communication challenging. “I really couldn’t recognize myself in the mirror,” she shared, describing her swollen face and the emotional toll it took on her. However, she took charge of her rehabilitation, which included physiotherapy, facial massage, and speech drills. Over time, she regained her speech and self-identity.
In a twist of fate, Turner discovered she was pregnant again last year, this time naturally, with her husband, Alejandro Torrealba, 45. “I was absolutely delighted,” she said, recalling how she celebrated the news by baking a cake and preparing a special Venezuelan dish for her husband. The arrival of Sandy has brought joy and a renewed sense of purpose into their lives.
Reflecting on her experience, Turner emphasizes the importance of hope, particularly during the festive season. “This message we have, probably more strongly at Christmas, about hope and believing in a better future, absolutely has merit,” she stated. She also acknowledged the critical role of peace in her recovery, noting that stepping back from the chaos of life allowed her to heal.
Caroline McKinnel, co-centre head at Maggie’s Edinburgh, highlighted the emotional difficulty faced by women like Turner who must choose between continuing a pregnancy and undergoing urgent cancer treatment. “This is something that our expert staff at Maggie’s can support with,” she said, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to providing assistance throughout the cancer journey.
Now, as Turner prepares to celebrate Christmas in New York with her husband and new baby, she reflects on the challenges she has faced and the miraculous turn of events that have brought her to this point. “It’s a miracle,” she told BBC Scotland News, embodying the spirit of resilience and joy that defines her journey.
