All is Not Lost!
It was not a scenario we had considered. After our last appointment with Brian’s doctor, we had resigned ourselves to the fact that biological kids were never going to happen for us.
Well, I guess when they say “never say never” they’re right. No, I’m not pregnant, but if all goes well, I could be.
Our follow-up appointment yesterday was to get the results of the genetic testing that had been performed on Brian to help determine the cause of his lack of sperm. We also got the results of some additional hormone levels. We were all surprised, including Dr. F.
At our appointment last month, Dr. F. strongly suspected that Bri had a genetic abnormality that had rendered him sterile. He gave us the information, which we interpreted to be fact. After all, there aren’t *that* many causes for male infertility. But, lo and behold, Bri’s genetic panel looked great. No abnormalities and no genetic cause for infertility.
So, while this doesn’t change the fact that Bri’s shooting blanks at the moment, it does open up some possibilities for trying different things to stimulate his boys to get working. We’re going to be spending a small fortune on fertility drugs each month, and Brian is going to know what it feels like to be a pin cushion. There are some surgical options, as well, but Bri’s not amenable to them (it would require cutting his testicles in half – I’m completely serious). Even if he did agree to it, the procedure has to be done in conjunction with IVF and we’re not financially ready for that. Maybe as a last resort . . .
So, while Brian’s getting his shots, I’ll be getting a full check-up by a fertility doctor of my very own. I’m a little nervous about what to expect, but if it means we could actually have a child of our own, I’ll do it.
This month has been an absolute roller-coaster of emotions. Neither of us really knows what to think at this point, but we’re cautiously optimistic.
In other amazing news, my sister, who is battling Stage IV breast cancer, has been on a new chemo regimen. Lisa had bone and liver mets, which were growing rapidly. She’s tolerated the new chemo incredibly well; she lost her hair, but she’s managed to avoid the severe nausea and fatigue associated with chemo. So, she had a PET scan last week and the results indicated that her bone mets are GONE, and her liver is almost cancer free, as well. Her bloodwork confirmed the scan’s results. Her tumor markers are all almost normal. Lisa’s doctor actually used the words “near complete remission.”
I’m so stunned by two consecutive days of good news. Seriously, you could totally knock me over with a feather.
Themocracy
Awesome news, Shannon. Good to hear. Prayers work, it seems. God Bless.
Shannon,
That is so awesome about your sister! So happy for her!
I hope that Brian has good luck with his new meds…hopefully it will kick everything into production! Will continue with prayers for your family!
Amy
That is great news, Shannon! I hope you guys can find a way to make it work!
That is such good news, on both accounts. I’ll be keeping fingers crossed for you guys!!
I’m glad that things are looking up – for you two and your sister.
Prayers work!!! Woot! I’m excited for you and Bri. I am also excited for your sister!!! Woot! This was worth waiting to read! Awesome!!!
Great news! And, I have a few feathers at home, peacock feathers and we’ll knock you over
That is awesome news about your sister too!
Shannon, this is all such wonderful news. So happy to hear that there may be hope for you and your husband to have a baby and thrilled to hear of your sister. Great way to start a weekend!
That is great news for all of you!
Happy Friday to you, Brian and your sister! Wonderful news!
Really interesting stuff–good luck to Brian (and you!) as he figures out what is going on. And congrats to your sister, too.
Thank you all so much for your comments. I’m still a little dumbstruck, but so, so excited at the possibilities.
I get my full fertility workup on Tuesday morning (coincidentally, that’s my 36th birthday). I’m nervous and excited.
I’m so thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers – they’re definitely working!
OMG! I am over the moon with this latest news…I know how much you and Brian want biological children, and to have that possibility still open is just WONDERFUL. Yes, my beautiful daughter this has been an amazing turn of events for all of us. Prayers do work and miracles do happen. XOXO
Like so many others, Shannon, I am so pleased to hear of the good things that appear to be lining up for you. I do hope that your sister is still doing well, and that poor Brian’s testicles are still intact … that one must have caused him some considerable pause!
Yes, Laura. Brian was so upset about his infertility. Even though nothing has really changed, we both feel a lot more optimistic about our future as parents.