6 Life Lessons I Gained from My Ovaries

Hey friends! So, life can throw some pretty wild curveballs, right? Last year, I had a complete hysterectomy on my oldest son’s birthday—talk about full circle! Eighteen years ago, my ovaries were the VIPs at my firstborn’s grand entrance, and three years later, they helped bring my second son into the world. But then things took a turn.

During my routine check-up, my doctor casually mentioned, “You have a small cyst on your right ovary.” I lost it—tears streaming down my face. At 32, I was newly single with two kids under 6, juggling a full-time job and all the joys of single motherhood. I couldn’t handle another worry, especially one that started with “C.” This was a dark time for me, but it sparked a 12-year saga with my ovaries, leading to five cysts, multiple surgeries, and a surprise baby. Here are some of the most valuable lessons I learned along the way:

1. Plans Can Go Awry

My cyst didn’t just vanish as expected; instead, it decided to throw a wrench in my life. Despite what I thought I could control, life had other plans. I learned to either gracefully navigate the unexpected or get dragged along. Spoiler alert: I tried both methods!

2. Strength Comes from Struggle

As I faced surgery, I was terrified. The anxiety was real, especially with a history of allergic reactions to anesthesia. But when the surgery was over and the cyst was benign, I felt invincible. If I could conquer that, what else could I tackle?

3. Listen to Your Instincts

Less than a year post-surgery, I felt that familiar discomfort. Everyone dismissed my fears, but in my gut, I knew something was off. Turns out, I was right, leading to more surgery. This reminded me to trust my intuition—it’s usually spot on.

4. Sometimes You Just Have to Say WTF

When I found out I had cysts again, I was done being strong. I let out a few choice words that day. Whether it’s multiple surgeries or just too many responsibilities piling up, sometimes you need to vent. It’s totally okay to scream “What the heck!” when life gets overwhelming.

5. What’s Meant to Be Will Be

Before my third surgery, I asked my doctor to remove my ovaries—she wisely advised against it. Fast forward a couple of months, and I met an amazing guy, got married, and unexpectedly found myself pregnant at 40. Life is funny that way, and I’m so grateful for that unexpected blessing.

6. Unlearned Lessons Keep Coming Back

Last year, my lone remaining ovary decided to betray me again, sprouting yet another cyst. At 44, I was done having kids and terrified about the potential surgery. The stress was unreal, but spoiler alert: I ended up needing a hysterectomy. I can only hope I’ve finally learned all my lessons!

In the end, these experiences, while challenging, have shaped who I am. If you’re navigating your own journey with fertility or health, check out some helpful resources like this one and this one for extra support. And if you’re keen on more insights about home insemination, definitely take a look at this post.

Summary:

Life taught me valuable lessons through my struggles with ovarian cysts, surgeries, and unexpected motherhood. I learned to roll with the punches, trust my gut, and embrace the chaos. If you’re on a similar journey, there are great resources available to help you along the way!