Help Hannah Heal: Surgery, Loss & Recovery

Hi, my name is Hannah. I’m 25 years old, a twin sister, artist, activist, and advocate. I love crafting, thrifting & antiquing, making funky repurposed jewelry, discovering local music, volunteering in my community and supporting artisan markets. I work in Young Adult Services (YAS), helping adults with special needs.

In September 2024, my life changed in ways I never expected. I found out I was pregnant, but just days later, I miscarried. As I grieved, I thought the worst was behind me, but my journey was just beginning.

By November, I suffered a second miscarriage. I later learned that my pregnancy had originally been multiples, and the second fetus was ectopic. This meant an emergency hospital stay, a round of methotrexate treatment, and then starting a new job while still actively miscarrying. I pushed through, hoping I could move forward.

But in December, my HCG levels spiked again. Another ER visit led to my first D&C, yet pathology found nothing abnormal. Confused, I tried to heal… until another round of pain, bleeding, and rising HCG levels sent me back to the hospital. This time, doctors considered removing my left ovary and fallopian tube, but we opted for another dose of methotrexate instead. My levels finally dropped, and I thought I could put it all behind me.

Then came February. My body felt off, and something in my gut told me to take a pregnancy test. Two positive tests later, I knew something was seriously wrong. My doctor rushed me in for more tests, and I was diagnosed with Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) a rare pregnancy-related cancer.

After my second D&C, doctors were still unable to locate the cancer. Two CT scans later, they found a nodule on my thyroid, which now requires a biopsy and further analysis. On March 11, I underwent exploratory surgery to search for the cancer and determine if I still had an undetected ectopic pregnancy. With my HCG levels remaining elevated, doctors were unsure what was causing it, and this surgery was crucial to getting answers before I potentially start chemotherapy on March 17.

Well, we finally found the answer, I had another ectopic pregnancy this time in my right fallopian tube, which had to be removed. My medical team was bewildered that this ectopic remained undetected despite countless ultrasounds and two rounds of methotrexate. The moment I woke up from surgery I asked “Did you take my tube” and the gentleman at my bedside said yes. A piece of me died that day.

As if facing these medical mysteries and tragedies wasn’t overwhelming enough, I’ve already accumulated a significant amount of medical debt from months of hospital visits, scans, and procedures. On top of that, I recently found out that I haven’t been at my job long enough to qualify for medical leave or financial assistance. I rely on my income to survive, and with surgery and potential chemo ahead, I don’t know how long I’ll be out of work.

I never imagined I’d be in this position, but I’m reaching out for help. Any support, whether financial, sharing my story, or just sending love means the world to me. Thank you for being part of my fight.