conclusive. The doc handed Sam a brochure titled "Coping with Ovarian Cancer" then sent her on her way. As you can imagine we were scared and horrified as we waited for the results. Several days passed and we had no word. After nine days of waiting, frantic phone calls to anyone who would listen and lots of worry, we got the news that it wasn't ovarian cancer, but benign fibroid tumors and an ovarian cyst. Huge sigh of relief!Because of the tumors and a few other factors, the doctors--new ones!--determined that it would be "nearly impossible" for us to ever have children together. To prevent the continued growth of the tumors, which were causing Sam a lot of pain and discomfort, and to avoid any potential of cancer in the future, the doctors recommended Sam have a complete hysterectomy. While we were very disappointed, it was obviously the right choice to protect Sam's health. The doctors suggested that we have the surgery in December.
Sam was in the middle of her semester of teaching at UCLA and we were just about to make the big move to Northern California, so we decided to postpone the surgery until the summer when we were settled a bit more.
So in June of 2008 Samantha finally went in to reschedule her surgery and have her blood work done. She was feeling run down and thought that was a sign she couldn't put the surgery off any longer. Surprise, surprise, surprise....Sam was 3 months pregnant!
There was some concern from the doctor
because of our history, the placement of the tumors and other factors (like age!), so he considered it a high risk pregnancy and suggested that we approach it realistically and with caution.The passing of each week and trimester became a milestone, and, while there was some concern, there was never a doubt in either of our minds that we would not come to full term and have a beautiful, healthy baby...and that's just what we did!
So the next time you hear terms like "impossible," "never," "one in a million," move forward with caution yet optimism and think of our little Benen.
Congratulations!!! What a little peanut. I'm so glad all went well. The Alien Ben was an amazing video, and I remember clearly how that felt.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking great, happy, wonderful thoughts and sending them your way.
Best,
Jessica Barksdale Inclan
OH my god. The hiccuping is hilarious! It's like he is saying "what the hell is that? Is that me? Does anyone else hear this?"
ReplyDeleteIt's in his eyes. Comic timing--you have to be born with it.
BENEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xo
aunt jamie
Ah, Sweetie. So glad it all turned out so well. Wish I had known about the Fibroid Tumors. I have one (and was considered "old" too) though it was never an issue with my direct team in Paris, now here in Aix for the second pregnancy, the doctors are hysterical and think I should be in bed for the duration of the pregnancy. When I tell them I delivered a breech birth (butt first) without an epidural with very little bleeding at the age of 41, it is incomprehensible to them. :-)
ReplyDeleteBut isn't it wild how the belly seems so big, and the baby so small when you hold him in your arms! So happy for the three of you.
Much love, Dya
Congratulations! Enjoy every day with your baby boy. We're so happy for you guys! Gina & Sarah Venezio
ReplyDeleteEveryone deserves a happy beginning. I hope to see Benen running between the tomato rows of the Floodplain Produce some day.
ReplyDeleteBenen,
ReplyDeleteRemember to ingest lot's of New Mexico green and red chile as you grow and flourish.
I say this to prepare you. You see, one day, I hope to take you on a pilgrimage.
An expediton to the source of the fruit of the land of your mother Samantha: Nellie's Cafe in Las Cruces.
For this journey you must be well equipped. Your right of passage awaits, and will be a delight if you are trained in the ways of the chile-eaters.
I am confident that you are in good hands and that you will be ready for this mission. Do not tarry, Benen. Do not tarry.
Mucho amor hermanito,
Tio Chavo
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Guys - CONGRATS, CONGRATS, CONGRATS, CONGRATS, CONGRATS, CONGRATS! What a beautiful boy, what a gift from God. Looking forward to meeting you Dad. Ya'll take care.
Much love,
dave