Lucy’s Long Journey with Lauren Tarpley
Lauren Tarpley of South Carolina returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed at 34 with Stage II, HER2+ breast cancer. Lauren is a mom, wife and third generation urban homesteader.
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Embracing Life After Breast Cancer: Lauren's Journey to Motherhood
In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hearing from Lauren, a young cancer survivor whose story is both heartwarming and inspiring. Featured as the cover star of our 2024 “Family” Issue, Lauren took us through her incredible journey of loss, resilience, and ultimately, the joy of motherhood. For young cancer survivors navigating their own paths, her story is a powerful reminder of the strength we all possess.
A Journey of Unexpected Twists
Lauren's story began in early 2020, amidst the chaos of a global pandemic. Like many, she found solace in baking, but she and her husband also decided it was the perfect time to expand their family. Just as they embraced this new chapter, their world was shaken by the loss of their baby. That heartbreaking moment led Lauren to a doctor's appointment that changed everything — she received a breast cancer diagnosis at just 34.
Despite the immense pain and challenges, Lauren found hope in her loss. She attributes her cancer diagnosis to the very baby she lost, believing that this little one guided her to seek the medical help she needed. This perspective highlights a critical lesson: sometimes, our greatest challenges can lead to unexpected blessings.
IVF, Chemo, and New Beginnings
After her diagnosis, Lauren embarked on a rigorous journey that included IVF and chemotherapy. With a mix of excitement and grief, she began the process of freezing embryos, learning that her treatment might affect her fertility. While she faced the reality of having only male embryos, she remained hopeful about the possibility of future children.
The emotional rollercoaster continued when Lauren received news from her fertility specialist that her egg quality was poor and she was likely premenopausal. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she decided to take action. With determination, she planned for another IVF cycle.
To her astonishment, just as she was preparing for her next steps, Lauren found herself pregnant naturally. It was a joyous surprise — especially since she was told this might never happen. Her baby girl, Lucy, arrived in March 2023, exactly two years after the loss that led her to discover her cancer.
Celebrating Life and Community Support
Now, as a mother, Lauren reflects on her journey with gratitude and humor. She shared a heartwarming photo from her hospital room, a reminder of the support she received along the way. The sign in the photo read, “This mommy is a survivor,” symbolizing the resilience of mothers like her who face unique challenges after cancer.
One of the most powerful aspects of Lauren’s story is the sense of community that emerged during her journey. She highlights how reaching out and being open about her experiences led to unexpected support, including breast milk donations from neighbors when formula shortages struck.
For young cancer survivors, Lauren’s story serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that while our journeys may be filled with unexpected twists and heartaches, there can also be incredible joy and new beginnings. It’s essential to embrace both the struggles and the triumphs, finding strength in our communities and in ourselves.
Writing Prompt Inspired by Today’s Episode
Lauren talked about taking her writing prompts from the things that she can't stop thinking about, and I want you to do that as well. So this prompt is a three-parter. You're going to be making three lists.
I love …
I hate …
I can't stop thinking about …
This gets into obsession and obsessions make for great writing prompts. Set your timer for eight minutes, write your three lists, and then set your timer again and take something off of your “I can't stop thinking about” list and write it out. Keep your hand moving; see where it will take you. If you find that you write best with a good writing prompt,
Happy writing. Until next time, take good care.
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