The Dreaded C Word

Way back in June, at our 20 week ultrasound appointment, our doctor found a uterine fibroid that was measuring about 8 cm in diameter.  It wasn't cause for alarm, however she wanted us to have it looked at again in 12 weeks to monitor the growth.  Last week we had that 32 week appointment and got some bad news.  It turns out the fibroid had grown quite significantly and was now measuring 12 inches in diameter (about the size of a softball) and lying in the direct path of my cervix.

Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary — they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to a normal size.

Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, in extreme cases expanding the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.

As many as 3 out of 4 women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives, but most are unaware of them because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.

The bummer of this situation is that because a baby's head at birth isn't bigger than 10 cm and the cervix doesn't open bigger than 10 cm the odds of little Bubba pushing past or around this 12 cm sucker and be delivered vaginally is virtually impossible. I'm bummed. Daniel is bummed. I've shed lots of tears.

Knowing this is our potential future, it has given me time to research, read and come to terms with our new plan.  It's also given me time to look into alternative medicine methods and I'll be visiting the same acupressurist next Tuesday who I saw about my back to see if she can work any baby/fibroid shifting magic. Fingers crossed.  We have one last ultrasound on December 3 to check for the last time that the fibroid is still obstructing the path.  If it is, we'll go ahead and schedule the cesarean for around the week of December 18th-ish.  Boo.

On a happier note...we went and had our maternity photo shoot last Wednesday and I cannot wait to see how the pictures turned out.  We did several just the two of us and then ended with some of just me and the ole belly.  I'll be sure to post them when we get them back.

More happy news...Bubba's room is about 85% complete.  Last weekend Papa Poo Poo Head, Uncle Lex and Daddy spent an entire day painting and getting the room ready.  During that time, Gigi, Mimi, Grandma Gigi and I spent the morning at Ikea and came home with a crib, dresser and lots-o-stuff to finally make the room a room.  It looks so great and I'll be sure to post pictures when it's 100% ready. We're awaiting the bedding, crib/changing table mattress and after the crib is put together tomorrow, by Daddy, we can officially have a baby!  The art isn't on the walls just yet, but those small details, surprisingly enough, aren't bothering me and we'll get to them when we get to them.  Last weekend, I did eleven loads of laundry, washing every item of clothing that was loaned to us from girlfriends, as well as blankets, car seat covers, swing covers, burp cloths, new clothes, toys, etc.  It felt great getting that done.  All the clothes have been loaded into his dresser and are ready for this little man!

Below is the inspiration for the nursery and a tiny sneak peek at what the boys painted.  More soon, I promise!

Aside from all this fun, I'm chugging along.  I'm officially not sleeping well in any position and can't seem to sleep past 6:00 am these days.  Daniel, on the other hand, is finally sleeping thanks to the $1.99 earplugs he bought at the grocery store last weekend.  He doesn't hear me snore anymore--glad one of us is sleeping!

We also have had two more baby showers since my last post.  Daniel's good friends threw us one in Houston two weekends ago and our good friends threw us a couples shower last weekend.  Such good times, such good friends, we are so lucky!

~Mama Jess

34 weeks!