Hope for the Future

In March 2019, Lillian had her left ovary removed, as it was entirely consumed by a mature cystic teratoma, commonly known as a dermoid cyst. It contained hair, bone, and lung tissue. That was after eight grueling months of pain, vomiting, blood work, exams, missed school, etc., before finally being referred to a specialist in January. 

Unfortunately, the pain returned and in June, she had another ultrasound. They found a small cyst on her right ovary, but we were told it was nothing to worry about. We didn’t know it was another dermoid cyst until we went back for another ultrasound on Nov 4th, because she was still in a lot of pain and vomiting often again. The cyst has grown significantly and she needs surgery again.

This time, there is a small chance they can remove the cyst without much damage to the ovary. It could still be fully functional in regards to hormone production and egg release. it could also produce more cysts or cause pre-menopause. Or there is a chance the ovary can’t be salvaged and she loses that one too.

Lillian is 15. Fifteen. Imagine what life was like when you were 15. When I was 15, I was playing soccer, starting to think about college, looking forward to getting my drivers license, working, and hanging out with friends. I definitely wasn’t sitting in a doctor’s office, being told my chances of having biological children could be slim to none, UNLESS I have my eggs harvested and frozen. like, whaaaatt?!? 

So we explore the option. What mother wouldn’t want to do everything possible to help her child? We went to a fertility clinic. She had an ultrasound and they could see the cyst. They could also see that her ovary is very inflamed and could barely see the follicles to count, But the dr said he would still be able to collect eggs. They also drew blood to check hormone levels and egg count. Here's a link that explains egg count.  https://extendfertility.com/your-fertility-3/egg-count/

It’s a fairly quick process. 14 days of injecting medication to stimulate egg production. Ultrasounds and other tests every two-three days during that time, then they go in and collect them. They’re frozen until they’re ready to be used. 

If we harvest eggs, we know for sure she’ll be able to have biological children, which is her main desire.

If her ovary can be saved, there is a small chance she could still conceive. Also a chance of more dermoid cysts and premenopause before she’s ready.

If her ovary can’t be saved, and we can’t harvest, there is no chance of biological children. She will also have to be on hormone replacements for life. 

We know there are other options such as egg donors and adoption, but it just isn’t the same. I can’t give up on this girl’s dreams of having her own children.
Time is of the essence. The longer we wait,the bigger the cyst grows and the chances of egg retrieval decrease. Please share and donate if you can  thank you