An Emergency C-Section Ended Up Saving This Mother’s Life Despite Cancer Diagnosis

In a story that is sure to make your eyes bulge out of your head while also tugging your heart strings, a premature baby born at a frighteningly early 27 weeks ended up saving her mother’s life, despite the complications surrounding her birth. Brace yourselves, because this story is a little crazy.

Jenny Purvis went to her doctor for a routine prenatal visit at 27 weeks pregnant, expecting business as usual. What followed: a C-section delivery of her 2-pound baby girl, the removal of two large ovarian tumors, several rounds of chemotherapy, and an impending hysterectomy on the horizon. Yep, I told you. Crazy. Apparently doctors had been monitoring Jenny’s ovarian cysts throughout the pregnancy, not thinking there was cause for alarm. Then, during her routine appointment, an ultrasound revealed that the placenta was no longer receiving blood flow, and an emergency C-section would have to happen immediately.

“We thought [the cysts] were getting smaller. I guess I was pretty naïve. The doctor came in and said it was ovarian cancer. I didn’t think about a 29-year-old getting ovarian cancer.”

Well who would?! I’m 29, was recently diagnosed with PCOS, and this story just terrified the bejeezus out of me. Thankfully, Jenny has a positive attitude and an even brighter outlook on things:

“It’s been quite a journey. We’ve had so much love and support from this community. We feel so fortunate in so many ways, despite the circumstances. It’s definitely changed me. I don’t sweat the little stuff anymore. We don’t take anything for granted.”

The Purvis family now refers to their daughter as “Miracle Mae.” Yeah, I’ll say. Jeez. My fingers are crossed that Jenny has a long, happy, healthy road ahead of her.

(Photo: Shutterstock)