She gave up on a dream of growing her family after a terminal diagnosis. Then her husband “flipped a light switch.”
Maralee Lellio was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer at the young age of 29, a shocking revelation for someone so young. However, she remained positive and focused on her treatment plan recommended by her oncologist, which included chemotherapy and surgery. Her ultimate goal throughout the treatment was to welcome a second child, giving her firstborn daughter a sibling. Before starting chemotherapy, Lellio and her husband froze embryos, and she also underwent a double mastectomy. After successfully completing her treatment and being declared cancer-free in September 2019, the couple began IVF to try for another child.
Just when everything seemed to be going well, Lellio started experiencing debilitating headaches and dizziness. Despite a CT scan showing nothing abnormal, the symptoms persisted and worsened. In the summer of 2020, a telehealth appointment led to an emergency room visit where an MRI revealed devastating news – a large brain tumor with no cure, marking her diagnosis as terminal cancer.
Despite undergoing a craniotomy to remove the tumor, it quickly regrew larger than before. Seeking further treatment options, Lellio transferred her care to the Cleveland Clinic, where she underwent radiation therapy. The treatment was challenging, causing seizures and mobility issues, leading to a period of depression and hopelessness for Lellio.
However, a conversation with her husband sparked a newfound hope and determination within her. Encouraged to fight for her life, Lellio decided to pursue a cutting-edge treatment plan and approached her new oncologist, Dr. Halle Moore, with a positive mindset. Dr. Moore recommended a PARP inhibitor, a targeted therapy for cancer with genetic mutations, which showed promising results for Lellio’s BRCA-1 positive cancer.
After two years on the inhibitor with no evidence of active cancer, Lellio expressed her desire to try for another child. With Dr. Moore’s approval, she discontinued the treatment, underwent counseling, and successfully became pregnant without IVF. In July 2024, Lellio and her husband welcomed their second daughter, bringing a sense of joy and gratitude to their lives.
Life post-treatment has been a mix of challenges and blessings for Lellio. She continues to see Dr. Moore for regular scans and is preparing for a hysterectomy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Returning to work as a teacher and cherishing precious moments with her family, Lellio reflects on her journey with gratitude and a newfound appreciation for life.
