Expert care for 28-year old patient diagnosed with breast cancer in her second trimester

The coordinated care and strong partnership among physician experts helped save the life of 28-year-old Taylor Niemetz who had a CHEK2 mutation and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma when she was 22 weeks pregnant.

Taylor’s team included experts in oncology, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, and primary care, spanning UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center’s Tate Cancer Center and Aiello Breast Center as well as University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and its Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The care team presented the Taylor’s case at a multidisciplinary tumor board to discuss the case and evaluate treatment options. Because of the pregnancy, Taylor could not have X-rays or the extensive imaging that is typical. Treatment began with a lumpectomy in October 2022, followed by the first stage of chemotherapy in November 2022.

Once the baby had developed enough, it was time for Taylor to deliver. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl at UMMC on New Year’s Day in 2023. Two weeks later, Taylor began the second round of chemotherapy, followed by a bilateral mastectomy and the beginning stages of breast reconstruction in April 2023. In August, she began radiation therapy, which concluded in September after 25 sessions. She now takes an oral chemotherapy medication combined with hormone therapy to reduce the chance of tumor recurrence.

Thanks to our team’s incredible coordination and expertise, Taylor is now enjoying life as a new mother – and cancer survivor.