Thouhida Chowdhury, known as Tia, a 29-year-old from Liverpool city centre, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer during her second trimester of pregnancy. Doctors have given her two to three years to live, meaning her four-week-old daughter Isabella will never know her mother beyond the age of two.
Devastating Diagnosis at 14 Weeks
Tia and her husband Lewis, both 29, had planned a normal life together, including having two children, buying a house, and getting married. They were "beyond happy" when they discovered Tia was pregnant with Isabella in November last year. However, Tia had been experiencing what she thought was a chest infection for about six months, with multiple courses of antibiotics failing to improve her condition.
During her final antibiotic course, Tia's mother noticed her skin was "turning blue" at dinner and rushed her to A&E. Tia remained at the Royal Liverpool Hospital for the next five months. A CT scan revealed inflamed lymph nodes and a collapsed left lung. Doctors initially suggested it could be tuberculosis or cancer. "At that moment we just knew it was cancer," Tia said. A biopsy confirmed lung cancer, and the oncologist gave her a prognosis of two to three years. "My whole world felt like it fell apart in that moment," she recalled.
Treatment and Premature Birth
Tia was told the cancer was untreatable but chemotherapy could slow its progression; without it, she would have eight to 12 months. She began chemo while pregnant. In June, Isabella was born prematurely at 30 weeks and remains in the Neonatal Unit, "growing stronger every day." Tia has since been discharged after more than five months as an inpatient.
"What should have been the happiest time of my life was shattered," Tia said. "I had been told that I wouldn't watch my daughter grow older, I wouldn't see her first day of school, I wouldn't be there for her first breakup, her wedding and everything else." Her biggest fear is Isabella not remembering her: "She will only be two years old when she loses me."
Creating Memories and Financial Struggles
The family is making a scrapbook, taking photos, and Tia has written letters for Isabella to open at ages 16, 18, and on her wedding day. Tia and Lewis got married while she was in hospital. The unexpected pregnancy and cancer diagnosis have depleted their savings. Lewis has taken extra work to support the family, reducing time with his terminally ill wife.
The family hopes to raise funds to adapt their home for better accessibility and cover hospital travel expenses. Tia said, "My whole life is upside down... I don't want my daughter to remember me like this, I want to make memories and make our life as normal and good as possible."
Fundraiser and Community Support
An online fundraiser has been launched to help create precious moments with Isabella. Relatives who run Tess Riley's in Liverpool city centre have organized a fundraising evening on August 19 from 3pm, with entry costing £10, all proceeds going to Lewis, Tia, and Isabella.
