NEED TO KNOW
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A 28-year-old woman was in labor with her second child when midwives noticed a lump.
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Alex Stewart was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but despite receiving treatment, the disease has spread and is now terminal.
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“I felt I had so much I wanted to do in my life, and this was now being cut short,” the mother of two shared.
During her labor for son Teddy in 2025, Alex Stewart was surprised when midwives found a lump. Initially, they suspected it was a varicose vein and didn’t seem overly concerned since she wasn’t bleeding excessively.
“I wasn’t really worried at first because they weren’t, and I was in that blissful state after giving birth, just thrilled to have my son,” Alex explained.
However, at her eight-week follow-up appointment, the lump still hadn’t disappeared. That led her to further examinations, including a biopsy and MRI, which ultimately resulted in a cervical cancer diagnosis.
“I felt completely blindsided. I had no symptoms, and everyone kept saying it was unlikely to be cancer considering my age and health,” Alex recounted, describing the overwhelming nature of that moment.
Coming to grips with the diagnosis took time, and she found herself wondering why it had happened to her, especially right after having a baby.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, her cancer continued to spread. She received the devastating news that her condition is terminal, with a prognosis of six months to two years to live.
“I was really shocked and upset,” Alex said about her terminal diagnosis. Her initial thoughts centered around her children and how they would cope without her.
“It felt so unfair. I was loving being a parent to my two kids, and now I feel like that was being taken away from me. It’s hard to understand how someone so young could face such a diagnosis,” she shared.
She’s also concerned for her husband, noting they haven’t even had their honeymoon yet and had many plans that now seemed out of reach.
As of now, Alex is navigating her chemotherapy while being a mother. “It’s tough. Some days I have energy, and others I just want to sleep,” she mentioned. Her parents have moved in to help, which has relieved some burdens, allowing her to focus on her kids rather than household tasks.
Her children have become her motivation. “Without them, I can’t imagine getting through this,” she stated. Every day, she makes an effort to create as many memories with them as she can.
Balancing motherhood with her illness isn’t straightforward. “I’m missing out on little daily things with my kids because I’m so tired and in pain. I struggle with even picking them up or cooking for them,” Alex said, reflecting on what she’s lost.
As for her daughter, who is becoming aware of the situation, Alex mentioned that she has been adapting well, supported by a play therapist. “When I lost my hair, she took it in stride and said I still looked pretty,” Alex noted.
In support of Alex, friends have set up a GoFundMe to assist her family. They expressed that the funds raised would be used however the family needs.
Looking back on her journey, Alex emphasizes the importance of health awareness. “Even with a clear pap smear and HPV vaccination, I urge everyone to stay updated with their screenings. They’re not pleasant but could catch something serious,” she advised.
For others who may face similar challenges, Alex encourages positivity and making memories with loved ones. “On good days, make the most of it—go out, take photos, and cherish those moments,” she suggested.
Yet, she also emphasized the need for self-care. “It’s okay to feel upset and angry. You didn’t choose this diagnosis, but making the best of a tough situation is essential,” she concluded.
