Shaina Hurley, the former star of the popular reality TV show Love Is Blind, has recently shared her harrowing journey of being diagnosed with cervical cancer just three months into her pregnancy. This courageous young woman’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of determination in the face of adversity.
At the age of 34, Hurley was excitedly preparing for the arrival of her first child with her husband, Christos Lardakis, whom she had married just a few months prior. However, her joy was quickly overshadowed by the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with Stage 2 cervical cancer.
Hurley’s story is particularly poignant because she had no symptoms leading up to her diagnosis. It was only during a routine pap smear that the doctors discovered the abnormalities, prompting further testing. “I had no symptoms. But later, the doctor called me and said the pap smear results had come back as abnormal and they needed to get me in for a colposcopy,” Hurley recounted.
The news of her diagnosis was understandably difficult for Hurley and her family to process. Doctors recommended that she undergo a cold-knife conization, a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tissue from her cervix. However, this procedure posed a significant risk to her pregnancy, as the cervix is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Hurley’s decision to forgo chemotherapy, despite the doctor’s recommendation, was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her unborn child. “The problem is, I was pregnant,” Hurley explained. “[The] cervix is what holds pregnancy. I was at just around three months and so I would most likely lose the baby. At that point, I just couldn’t risk it.”
Hurley’s determination to protect her pregnancy led her to make the difficult choice to delay the recommended treatment until after the birth of her son, Yiorgos David. She pushed the delivery to 37-and-a-half weeks, ensuring that her baby would be born healthy and strong.
The challenges did not end there, however. Just two weeks after delivering her son, Hurley suffered a mini-stroke, a complication that could have been devastating. Fortunately, she made a full recovery with no lasting side effects, a testament to her resilience and the excellent medical care she received.
Hurley’s journey did not end with the birth of her son. She still had to undergo the cold-knife conization procedure, which proved unsuccessful the first time. Undeterred, she underwent the surgery a second time, which finally proved successful in removing the remaining cancerous cells.
“As of June, I’m finally cancer-free,” Hurley shared, expressing her relief and gratitude. “We have to wait a year officially from the last surgery, just to make sure my body is okay but we do want more babies.”
Shaina Hurley’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Her willingness to share her journey with the world is a testament to her courage and her desire to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.
For those facing their own battles with cancer, Hurley’s story offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder that with determination, support, and access to quality medical care, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.
As Hurley looks to the future, her focus is on being a devoted mother to her son and taking things one day at a time. Her journey has undoubtedly changed her perspective on life, and she is now more determined than ever to cherish every moment and to continue fighting for her health and her family.
