Thouhida Chowdhury, known as Tia, was 14 weeks pregnant when she received a devastating diagnosis: terminal lung cancer. The 29-year-old from Liverpool city centre was told she has just two to three years to live, meaning her newborn daughter Isabella will only know her mother for a short time.
Diagnosis During Pregnancy
Tia had been experiencing what she thought was a chest infection for about six months, and antibiotics failed to improve her condition. During a meal, her mother noticed Tia's complexion turning blue and took her to A&E. A CT scan at the Royal Liverpool Hospital revealed inflamed lymph nodes and a collapsed left lung. Initially, doctors suspected tuberculosis or cancer, but a biopsy confirmed lung cancer. Tia said: "I asked for my prognosis and the oncologist told me I had two to three years. My whole world felt like it fell apart in that moment."
Impact on Family Plans
Tia and her husband Lewis, also 29, had planned a normal life together: two children, a house, and a wedding. They were "beyond happy" when they learned Tia was pregnant. The cancer diagnosis shattered those dreams. Tia said: "What should have been the happiest time of my life was shattered. 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."
Treatment and Birth
Doctors said the cancer was untreatable but chemotherapy could slow its progression. Without chemo, Tia was given eight to 12 months. She began chemotherapy while in hospital. Isabella was born early at 30 weeks in June and remains in the Neonatal Unit, growing stronger each day. Tia was discharged after more than five months in hospital.
Creating Memories
Tia is determined to make lasting memories for her daughter. She is creating a scrapbook with photos of everyone important, and has written letters for Isabella to open at ages 16, 18, and on her wedding day. Tia said: "My biggest fear is her not remembering me; remembering my voice, my touch, she will only be two years old when she loses me."
Financial Strain and Fundraising
The couple have spent their savings on unexpected expenses. Lewis has taken a second job to support the family, limiting time with his wife. They are raising money for home modifications and hospital travel. Tia said: "My whole life is upside down, I used to be such an independent woman and now I'm not even being able to go to Tesco by myself." A fundraiser night at Tess Riley's in Liverpool city centre on August 19, with tickets at £10, will support the family.
