Pregnancy was a magical time for Sasha Sabrina Azeez, a 31-year-old from Toronto, Canada. In April 2024, she discovered she was expecting twins while planning her wedding to her fiancé, Chris. The news that she was pregnant filled Azeez with joy, and she embraced every moment of it.
During her first ultrasound, she learned not only about the twins but also about a large cyst on her ovary. “I had no symptoms, so the cyst was likely there before, and my pregnancy led to its discovery,” Azeez explained. At 9 centimeters, the cyst continued to grow as her pregnancy progressed, leading doctors to recommend surgery at 20 weeks to remove the mass.
Facing surgery while pregnant was daunting. “We didn’t know if it was going to work. It was terrifying because no one could guarantee the safety of the twins,” she said. Unfortunately, the operation revealed that the tumor had grown to 19 centimeters and was an immature teratoma, a rare and cancerous germ cell tumor. This discovery made the surgery necessary for her health.
Within a short time, Azeez went from loving pregnancy to dealing with major surgery and a cancer diagnosis. Her oncologist emphasized the urgency of treatment, creating a challenging situation as she did not want to deliver her babies early. Despite the fears, Azeez expressed gratitude for her medical team’s effort to protect her twins while saving her life.
The twins were born through open abdominal surgery on October 4, 2024, at 29 weeks, weighing 2 pounds and 5 ounces each. They were immediately taken to the NICU. Meanwhile, Azeez underwent further surgery to remove cancerous tissue and faced a tough postpartum recovery. Once stable, she began storing breast milk in preparation for chemotherapy.
Starting treatment on October 16, Azeez endured three-week-long cycles of chemotherapy and additional infusions. By the end of 2024, she completed her final infusion. “It marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another,” she said, describing it as a symbolic moment in her journey.
Today, Azeez is cancer-free. Regular check-ups ensure the cancer has not returned. Her twins, having spent 52 days in the NICU, are thriving and bring joy to the family, who call them “our miracles.” They believe the twins’ presence led to the discovery of the cancer, potentially saving Azeez’s life.
Azeez acknowledges Chris’s unwavering support throughout their ordeal. He was a caretaker and a parent, helping her recover and nurture their newborns. As they plan their wedding, they appreciate their strengthened bond and the new perspective life has given them.
Documenting her story on Instagram and TikTok (@sashaxsabrina), Azeez hopes to inspire others to appreciate life. “Life can change in an instant,” she remarked. “I wish everyone could experience that appreciation. Live a life that is full and one you can be proud of.”