November 27, 2024

A NSW mum has been diagnosed with stage four cancer just weeks after having her second baby.

Suraya Jenkins, 36, has been told she has the disease in her lungs, as well as her brain and bones.

The devastating diagnosis came just days after she had baby Wren.

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Jenkins’ cousin Jemah Schmidt, 35, said Jenkins, who has an older son Reef, two, with partner Shannon, thought her back pain was down to having a caesarean.

After it didn’t improve, Jenkins, from Armidale in Regional NSW saw a GP who found fluid in her lungs.

She was diagnosed at the start of July, when Wren was just five weeks old.

“It happened so quickly,” Schmidt said.

”It’s incomprehensible to have her world flipped upside down in an instant.

“That is the time when you should be putting all of your love and attention and joy into welcoming this new child.”

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Medics can’t say where the cancer originated.

Schmidt said other symptoms Jenkins had suffered she put down to being in her third trimester.

The former travel agent, who more recently worked in early childcare, is now having chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

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A fundraiser has been set up to raise money to get donated breastmilk to Jenkins because her treatment means she can’t breastfeed anymore.

It’s coming from Mothers Milk Bank, but will cost up to $850 a week to transport to her.

Because Jenkins lives in a regional area, she has seen medics at Armadale,Tamworth and Coffs Harbour hospitals.

She is undergoing treatment at Armidale Hospital.

Meanwhile, Jenkins is having more tests to see what other drug treatments she may be able to taketo fight the cancer.

“At this point in time we believe it’s treatable, we are holding on to hope,” Schmidt said.

Local MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has shared her fundraiser, saying, “Suraya, you are in our prayers.”

The new mum said she was “humbled” by all the support.

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