Stacey Broadmeadow is a 38-year-old mother of a ‘miracle’ baby – a success story of her life-saving cancer treatment. Her ovaries were removed to treat a rare and deadly cancer but her determination to get pregnant made it possible for her to become a mother – and she believes it is the reason why she is alive today.
Ms Broadmeadow first began to feel poorly in 2017 when she experienced a sharp pain near her appendix and spotting in between her periods, which prompted her to contact her GP. It was then that her cancer journey began and she was told she had a million-to-one rare cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), which produces a jelly-like substance which spreads cells and mucin around the stomach.
Some symptoms of this cancer include loss of appetite, unexpected weight gain and stomach pain. Her consultant, however, was positive that she would survive the treatment while still allowing her chance of motherhood – so eggs were harvested and frozen. Surgery followed by a period of recovery lasted three to four months and it was then that the process for creating baby Harry began.
Of the 17 eggs that were defrosted, eight were deemed useable, from which four embryos were created and two passed the next level. The first embryo was transferred but unfortunately resulted in miscarriage, but the second embryo was transferred in February last year and she fell pregnant.
Harry was born last November and Ms Broadmeadow both recognizes him as an absolute miracle and her life-saver. Today, her life is filled with love and happiness and her mother, Susan, is also ‘in her element.’
Rebecca Halstead, a specialist nurse from the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester (where Ms Broadmeadow was treated) supported her throughout her fertility treatment. Ms Halstead said that being there for patients like Ms Broadmeadow is the reason why she does what she does – to both diagnose and treat these cases – while ensuring that future patients will benefit from continued research.
Today, Ms Broadmeadow wants to make sure baby Harry has the life she dreamed of for him – filled with adventure. She has gone on maternity leave from her job as theatre manager at the Palace and Opera House in Manchester, and expects her life to be more balanced, full of lots of love and happiness.
