6 Life Lessons I Gained From My Ovaries

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By: Sarah Mitchell

Last year, my complex love/hate relationship with my ovaries reached a turning point when I underwent a complete hysterectomy—on my eldest son’s birthday, no less. Eighteen years prior, my ovaries had played a crucial role in bringing my firstborn into the world, and three years later, they were instrumental in welcoming my second son. However, a few years down the line, they decided to rebel against me.

During a routine check-up, my gynecologist casually mentioned, “You have a small cyst on your right ovary,” as if she were discussing the weather. I was taken aback and burst into tears. At 32, I was fresh out of a divorce, juggling the challenges of single motherhood with two little ones while managing a full-time job from home. The last thing I needed was more chaos in my life—especially something starting with “C.” To me, cysts and cancer were synonymous.

“Don’t worry,” my doctor reassured me. “Most of these resolve on their own.” But mine didn’t. Thus began a 12-year struggle with my defiant ovaries, leading to five cysts, four surgeries, one surprise baby, and a treasure trove of life lessons. Here are some of the most impactful ones:

  1. Life Doesn’t Always Follow the Script. My cyst didn’t disappear as my doctor predicted; instead, it stubbornly clung on, defying treatments and morphing into a painful issue. This experience reminded me that no matter how meticulously I plan, life has its own agenda. I could either gracefully adapt to the new path or be dragged along kicking and screaming (and trust me, I tried both).
  2. Adversity Builds Strength. After months of monitoring the cyst and trialing various medications, I found myself facing surgery. The fear of going under was overwhelming, especially given my history of severe allergic reactions. However, I realized that if I could conquer this, I could handle anything life threw my way. And when the cyst turned out benign, I felt like a warrior ready to take on the world.
  3. Trust Your Instincts. Less than a year post-surgery, I felt familiar pain again. Everyone dismissed my concerns, attributing it to scar tissue or anxiety, but I knew something was wrong. Spoiler alert: it was! After another surgery, I learned that my intuition was usually spot on. Ignoring those gut feelings often led to regret, reminding me to listen to myself moving forward.
  4. Sometimes, You Just Have to Say “What the F***.” Six months after my second surgery, I felt that dreaded pull again. Frustrated with the chaos in my life, I let out a string of expletives that would make a sailor blush. Sometimes, life’s curveballs warrant a good old-fashioned curse session, and it’s okay to vent your frustrations—trust me, it’s liberating!
  5. If It’s Meant to Be, It Will Happen. Before my third surgery, I pleaded with my doctor to remove my ovaries altogether. “You’re still young,” she countered, reminding me of future possibilities. We compromised by keeping one ovary, and just two months later, I met an amazing man. Fast forward to age 40, and I found myself unexpectedly pregnant! This time, my surprise was filled with joy and gratitude.
  6. Unlearned Lessons Tend to Resurface. Ugh, this one stings. Last year, after nearly a decade of peace, my remaining ovary betrayed me with another cyst. At 44, I was done with motherhood and more aware of my mortality than ever. The prospect of surgery filled me with dread. After waiting to see if the cyst would vanish (it didn’t), I faced a hysterectomy. Now, with all hormones stripped away, I can only hope that I’ve finally absorbed all the lessons.

In conclusion, the journey with my ovaries has been a rollercoaster of emotions, lessons, and surprises. If you’re navigating similar challenges or considering home insemination, you may want to explore this informative post or check out Make a Mom for expert guidance. Additionally, the World Health Organization offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.