An Illinois mother, MaKenna Lauterbach, is celebrating a truly miraculous Christmas this year with her son, Colter. Her journey to motherhood was fraught with unexpected challenges, including a life-threatening cancerous tumor discovered during her pregnancy. Thanks to the swift actions of medical professionals at Northwestern Medicine, both mother and baby are alive and well, ready to embrace the holiday season.
A Pregnant Mother’s Unexpected Battle: From Nagging Cough to Life-Threatening Tumor
MaKenna Lauterbach’s pregnancy took a terrifying turn when a persistent cough led to the discovery of a grapefruit-sized tumor in her chest. Initially dismissed as a minor ailment, the cough worsened, eventually leading to vomiting. At 36 weeks pregnant, imaging revealed the alarming truth: a massive tumor obstructing the artery to her right lung, depriving both her and her unborn baby of vital oxygen. This critical situation meant that neither MaKenna nor her baby were receiving adequate oxygen, putting both their lives in immediate danger.
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The severity of the situation necessitated immediate action. Lauterbach was airlifted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where a specialized medical team assembled to address the complex case. Dr. Lynn Yee, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, recognized the urgency and the potential for a catastrophic outcome if intervention was delayed.
A Miraculous Easter Sunday Birth and a Fight for Survival
On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, Dr. Yee performed an emergency C-section, bringing baby Colter into the world. While the delivery was successful, the fight for MaKenna’s life was far from over. Following the C-section, doctors diagnosed MaKenna with stage 3 melanoma. The tumor’s aggressive growth and its location, pressing against her heart and invading her right lung, required extensive surgery.
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Dr. Kalvin Lung led the surgical team that removed MaKenna’s entire right lung, portions of her main pulmonary artery, and affected lymph nodes. The surgery was a high-stakes procedure, aimed at eradicating the cancer and giving MaKenna a chance at survival. The complexity and rarity of the case highlight the exceptional skills of the medical team involved. Dr. Chris Mehta, a cardiac surgeon, emphasized that tumors invading the heart’s major blood vessels are exceedingly rare, encountered only once every few years.
A Christmas Miracle: MaKenna’s Recovery and Colter’s First Holiday Season
Months after the life-saving surgery, MaKenna is cancer-free. Recent scans show no evidence of metastatic melanoma, offering hope for a full recovery. Dr. Sunandana Chandra, a medical oncologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, expressed amazement at MaKenna’s progress, calling it a “medically amazing story with profound results.” This positive outcome underscores the importance of early detection and intervention in cancer treatment.
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This Christmas, MaKenna, her husband Parker, and baby Colter are celebrating their first holiday season together on their farm. It’s a Christmas filled with immense gratitude and joy, a stark contrast to the fear and uncertainty they faced earlier this year. MaKenna credits the Northwestern Medicine team for her survival and the opportunity to cherish this special time with her family. Dr. Yee shared in the family’s joy, expressing how heartwarming it is to witness MaKenna’s recovery and Colter’s thriving development.
A Story of Hope and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Life
MaKenna’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of modern medicine. It’s a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, hope and determination can prevail. This Christmas, the Lauterbach family celebrates not only the holiday season but also the gift of life, a second chance granted by the extraordinary efforts of dedicated medical professionals. The family’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of cherishing every moment and the enduring power of love and family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Melanoma
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma can also form in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye and intestines. It is less common than other skin cancers but more dangerous because it’s much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Risk factors for melanoma include:
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light: This is the main risk factor for melanoma. UV light comes from the sun and from tanning beds.
- Fair skin: People with fair skin, freckles, light hair, and blue or green eyes are at higher risk.
- A history of sunburns: Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of developing melanoma later in life.
- Many moles: Having more than 50 common moles increases your risk.
- Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi): These moles are unusual in size, shape, or color and are more likely than common moles to become cancerous.
- Family history of melanoma: Having a parent, sibling, or child with melanoma increases your risk.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had organ transplants, are at increased risk.
How can melanoma be prevented?
Protecting yourself from UV light is the best way to prevent melanoma. Here are some tips:
- Seek shade: Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Wear protective clothing: Cover up exposed skin with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
What are the symptoms of melanoma?
The most common sign of melanoma is a change in an existing mole or the development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on your skin. The ABCDEs of melanoma are a helpful guide:
- A: Asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t match the other)
- B: Border irregularity (the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred)
- C: Color that is uneven (shades of black, brown, and sometimes white, red, or blue)
- D: Diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E: Evolving (a mole that is changing in size, shape, or color)
It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any of these changes. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the outcome of melanoma.
