[Music playing]

[Text on screen: Caitlin Conner, RN
Patient]

Caitlin Conner, RN:
When I was diagnosed in January of 2024, I thought it was just going to be a routine mammogram check. I was actually supposed to work at the hospital 3 to 11pm that night. So I got the mammogram done. They actually called me back in for more imaging and I think my nurse brain kind of kicked in where it was like, oh, this probably isn't good if they're asking for more imaging. Wow, I'm 30 and I have cancer.

I was then told about four weeks later that I was pregnant. Initially it was like, oh my gosh, what a blessing. I can't believe I'm having my second baby. But then I was overcome with dread because wait, I'm about to go under chemotherapy, surgery. Can I have my baby?

[Text on screen: Kai Johnson, MD
Medical Oncologist
OSUCCC - James]
  
Kai Johnson, MD:
What makes Caitlin's case unique, however, is the fact that she was diagnosed while pregnant. There are certain therapies that are unsafe to apply while pregnant. We know how to personalize therapy.

Caitlin Conner, RN:
My treatment plan was determined to what my outcome was going to be being that I was pregnant, but initially they were going to start me on chemotherapy and target therapy at the same time and then I would have surgery after I completed that treatment regimen. But because I was pregnant and my pregnancy was viable, I ended up having surgery first. I had a mastectomy on Leap Day of 2024. Once I hit second trimester, I was able to start chemotherapy.

Kai Johnson, MD:
She developed allergic reactions to the HER2 directed therapy. That made it challenging for her to get that full course, but we had to think outside of the box and found ways to get beyond that.

Caitlin Conner, RN:
When Lincoln was born, I had immediate relief. I think hearing him cry was just like, ahh, finally. The relief from knowing that he was fully developed, he was safe, there were no complications. Knowing that everything I had been through was all for him. On November 21st, 2025, I finished my treatment. It was on my 32nd birthday. Cancer feels like, so small. I feel like I have so much more to live for. I think looking at him now, I don't even remember having cancer. I just feel so blessed and thankful.

[Text on screen: The James
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
For more information, visit: cancer.osu.edu]

[Music fades]