WHEN Micaela Gump-Johnson was diagnosed with cancer, she was given the heartbreaking news treatment would leave her infertile.
"There’s something on your cervix," the doctor said. "I’ve never seen anything like it before. We need to do a biopsy."Two weeks later, I heard the news which would shatter my world. I had cancer. I just fell to pieces.The mum and daughter live an hour apart, and Micaela was worried she wouldn't bond with her twins as her mum carried them"How can I tell my mum?" I thought. She was my best friend. Only 16 when she’d had me, we were more like sisters.
"But mum, even if we do create embryos, we can’t afford a surrogate," I said in tears. "It’s impossible." In the UK, it is illegal to advertise for surrogates - so many ask a friend or family member for help. "I’m having twins," I’d say when friends asked for news. Before they could even say congratulations I’d quickly continue "and mum’s the surrogate".I brushed it off. My babies were healthy, and I had the best mum in the world. Things were good.Micaela Gump-JohnsonAs birth approached, my nerves grew. Mum had a cesarean scheduled for 37 weeks but a week before had some twinges. By the time we got to the hospital, she was already 5cm dilated.
Even though I’m now cancer free, I wanted to support other women. So I’ve helped create Sisters Against Rare Cervical Cancers , which offers support and raises funds for research. Before the pregnancy, my best friend told me she was worried. "Are you sure that you’re going to be able to disconnect when they’re born?" she askedBut I’d just picture the babies smiling at me, and Micaela’s face when they were finally here. That always made me feel better.
I also knew she struggled sometimes to see me carry her babies. So I told her every detail, about all the twinges and pains.And our relationship was so strong, I knew we could get through any difficult moments.Nurturing instincts kick in when you’re pregnant. So I needed to disconnect, preparing myself from day one for the moment when they would be in Micaela’s arms instead of mine.