Last year, my complex love/hate relationship with my ovaries reached a dramatic conclusion: I underwent a complete hysterectomy on my eldest son’s birthday. Eighteen years prior, my ovaries played a pivotal role in bringing my first child into the world, and three years later, they contributed just as effectively to the birth of my second son. However, a few years down the line, they seemed to turn against me without warning.
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. The news triggered a flood of tears. At 32, I was navigating the tumultuous waters of single motherhood with two kids under six, juggling work-from-home responsibilities, carpooling, and even rodent control in my new condo. I truly couldn’t handle one more challenge, especially one that began with the letter “C”—to me, cysts and cancer were basically synonymous. “Don’t worry,” my doctor reassured me. “Most of these resolve on their own.” But mine didn’t.
Thus began a twelve-year saga filled with five cysts, four surgeries, one unexpected pregnancy, and a treasure trove of life lessons. Here are some of the most significant insights I gathered along the way:
- Plans Can Go Awry
My cyst didn’t simply fade away as predicted; instead, it stubbornly resisted treatment and led to a series of hormonal roller coasters due to high doses of birth control pills. While I had meticulously arranged my life, reality had its own agenda, and I had to choose between adapting gracefully or fighting against the current (and believe me, I tried both). - Resilience is Key
As I faced months of ultrasounds and medication, the fear of surgery loomed large. Despite my anxiety, I ultimately found strength I didn’t know I had. The successful removal of the cyst left me feeling unstoppable, proving that overcoming adversity can empower you in unexpected ways. - Listen to Your Instincts
When I felt that familiar pain again, I was convinced another cyst was forming. Yet, well-meaning friends told me not to worry. Ignoring my intuition led to another surgery, which revealed a benign cyst along with traces of endometriosis. This was a crucial reminder to trust my gut and not dismiss my feelings. - Embrace the Chaos
Just six months after my second surgery, the familiar discomfort returned. Frustrated with my circumstances, I let out a few well-placed expletives. Sometimes, when life throws curveballs, it’s perfectly acceptable to vent your frustrations loudly and unapologetically. - What’s Meant to Be Will Be
Before my third surgery, I pleaded with my doctor to remove my ovaries altogether. She encouraged me to consider future possibilities, and surprisingly, not long after, I met someone special. Life took a turn I hadn’t anticipated, and I found myself expecting a baby at 40. My remaining ovary surprised me with a gift I never thought I desired. - Unlearned Lessons Keep Coming Back
After a decade of calm, my sole ovary betrayed me once more with a new cyst. At 44, facing the potential for another surgery was daunting. The stress of waiting for the cyst to resolve itself was overwhelming and, spoiler alert, it didn’t. The result? A hysterectomy that left me hoping I’d finally absorbed all the lessons life had to offer.
Navigating this journey has been anything but straightforward, yet every twist and turn has taught me something valuable about resilience, intuition, and the importance of embracing life’s unpredictability. For those exploring family planning options, consider checking out this informative resource for insights into pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re interested in self-insemination, this site offers great information on at-home kits. And for more on home insemination, don’t miss our post here.
Summary:
In sharing my experiences with ovarian cysts and surgeries, I’ve learned crucial life lessons about resilience, trusting instincts, and embracing life’s twists. Each challenge led to unexpected joys, reminding me that plans can change, but what’s meant to be will happen in its own time.