When Reshu Basnyat felt a firm spot deep in her breast, she chalked it up to hormones after a recent miscarriage. Months later, while pregnant again, that small impression turned into a life-altering diagnosis: an aggressive form of breast cancer that forced her to balance urgent treatment with protecting her unborn son.
How a lump was dismissed as a hormonal change
In early 2023, Basnyat noticed a lump inside her breast. She was 33 and had recently experienced an early pregnancy loss.
Rather than alarm, her first reaction was practical: the mass felt internal and might be linked to the miscarriage. That explanation felt sensible to her.
She delayed medical checks, believing the lump would shrink or clear up on its own. Her doctor had also reassured her in the past that routine mammograms were unnecessary because of her age and apparent health.
Family history, prior benign findings, and missed screening
Basnyat’s medical background included a family history of breast cancer and a benign breast lump removed in 2011. Still, she was advised that frequent imaging was not required.
- Past benign breast surgery in 2011
- Family history that could raise risk
- Physician reassurance that led to fewer screenings
The combination of prior benign results and medical reassurance contributed to a false sense of security.
Getting checked during pregnancy and the biopsy result
As her next pregnancy progressed, the lump remained unchanged. Concern grew and she sought a specialist’s opinion.
From peace-of-mind biopsy to grim diagnosis
The specialist recommended a biopsy for reassurance. The procedure was meant to calm fears, not confirm them.
Instead, pathology showed triple-positive, aggressive breast cancer that had reached nearby lymph nodes.
Her immediate focus shifted to the safety of the baby she was carrying. The uncertainty was terrifying.
Rapid treatment decisions while protecting a fetus
Faced with a serious diagnosis and a pregnancy, Basnyat and her medical team moved quickly.
- Initial surgery to remove the primary tumor
- Chemotherapy began weeks later
- Careful timing to limit fetal exposure when possible
She and her husband searched for stories of women who had cancer during pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. They found few clear examples, which added to their anxiety.
Emotional toll and constant questions about the baby
Throughout treatment, Basnyat repeatedly sought reassurance that therapy would not cost her the pregnancy.
She pressed clinicians for guarantees: would the baby be harmed, would the pregnancy survive, could they protect the child?
The experience was described as traumatic and confusing. Yet, she kept moving forward with treatment plans.
Birth, NICU stay, and resuming aggressive therapy
She paused chemotherapy shortly before delivery. Her son arrived early and required several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Having her newborn nearby provided emotional strength to continue treatment after birth.
- 14 rounds of chemotherapy
- 17 rounds of targeted therapy
- 15 rounds of radiation
Today, Basnyat remains on maintenance therapy. Clinicians report no current evidence of active cancer in her body.
Sharing the story and finding support
With help from Breast Cancer Network Australia, Basnyat has begun to tell her journey publicly.
She finds speaking about the experience cathartic and says it helps to process emotions. She still has moments of sadness, but sharing brings relief.
Her message underscores the importance of listening to your body and seeking evaluation when something feels wrong, even if you are young.
What her story prompts patients and clinicians to consider
- Young age does not guarantee immunity from breast cancer.
- A previous benign finding does not eliminate future risk.
- When a lump persists, prompt evaluation is critical.
- Pregnancy complicates but does not always prevent cancer treatment.
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