After my last post I became pregnant following our second IVF procedure using a frozen transfer. I miscarried at ~8 weeks in August 2012 and then had to wait about 5 months to try again. We decided since every test during our many years of infertility came back normal and the cause of infertility was complete unknown that we would try a natural frozen transfer (no hormone injections for me).
Our natural transfer was done January 2013 and it worked. We were exceptionally cautious with our excitement after having had 2 miscarriages. I had some early spotting which was very distressing but it stopped quickly when they took me off aspirin at about 9 weeks. We chose to do the new cell-free DNA testing which is a completely non-invasive screening and found out that I was carrying a healthy little girl at 13 weeks gestation!
Being high risk and s/p radical trachelectomy with a cerclage in place I prepared myself for what I thought would be inevitable complications (bed rest, pre-term delivery, etc). In the end, my cervix and the cerclage made it for the long haul which I don't think is typical. We made it to 39 weeks and had a scheduled C-section without having had a single contraction of any kind. I can see why planned c-sections have become popular though it would not have been my choice if it wasn't mandatory. My recovery from c-section was MUCH easier than recovering from the radical trachelectomy. Also, the chronic nerve pain I had for over a year after the trachelectomy disappeared as soon as I became pregnant and has not returned to date (8 months after birth).
I am hoping this outcome gives people who are dealing with a recent diagnosis of cervical cancer and still wish to have a child a light at the end of the tunnel. To have a fertility sparing surgery available for this condition that affects mainly young women in their child bearing years is invaluable. I am so glad we didn't let fear cloud our decision and were able to find an excellent surgeon to treat my cancer AND preserve our chance of having a child. We were very close to giving up our efforts to have a baby and preparing to move forward with our life together as a child free man and wife. Now of course I can't imagine our life without our little stinker. Today is our 10th anniversary and Ellie is sleeping soundly after our anniversary breakfast. What an adventure life can be.
Without further ado, meet Ellie Wren:
Here is to the light at the end!
Thanks for reading.
AC
