October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to the American Cancer Society breast cancer is found in about 1 in every 3,000 pregnant women.
At 32 weeks pregnant and at 32 years old , Tucson resident Laura Huerta was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
"I told them are you sure, I'm pregnant. I can't have breast cancer," said Huerta.
With no family history of the disease at 34 weeks she had surgery to remove the tumor.
"It felt like a tingling sensation on my breast and sharp stabbing pain. That wasn't not normal. I didn't feel it on my left , only my right, " said Huerta.
"My oncologist.. they ruled it as spontaneous breast cancer," Huerta added.
At 36 weeks Huerta was induced and gave birth to her daughter. Just ten days later she began chemotherapy and radiation.
" I want to say like for the first 6 to 7 months I wasn't really there for my baby. Sad. I would get home from chemo and I was drained," said Huerta.
Huerta says the love and support she received from her family helped her get through the rough times. She also utilized resources from available through the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society says having breast cancer during pregnancy is rare , but with more women having children later in life the risk goes up. The organization also says that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or within the first year of delivery.
"Trust your instinct. If it doesn't feel right , you need to get it checked," said Huerta.
Huerta is proud to say she is now breast cancer free and looking forward to this years Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
"I would always just tell myself that my faith is bigger than my fear," said Huerta.
On October 17th, during the Arizona Cardinals game Huerta will be one of 50 survivors and their caregivers who will be on the field and highlighted during the breast cancer awareness halftime performance.
