This past summer was a turbulent time, both physically and emotionally. As you know from previous Gabriela Overcoming blogs, I’ve been on this health journey for quite a while since dealing with a diagnosis of PCOS and the loss of my two babies in 2017 and 2019 (if you haven’t yet, please go back and read Gabriela Overcoming part 1 – 5). Little did I know that life had yet another unexpected chapter to unfold. 

It all started with those persistent back pains that felt far from ordinary. My body tried to tell me something, so I decided to listen. I visited my doctor, requesting a sonogram of my ovaries, suspecting cysts due to PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) might be behind the discomfort. But the sonogram revealed something unexpected – a mass in my uterus.

The initial 45-minute procedure turned into a two-hour surgery as the doctors found multiple masses in my uterus that hadn’t appeared on the initial scan. The diagnosis that followed was a shock- Endometrial Hyperplasia with Atypia. It meant the masses were not cancerous at that moment but pre-cancerous.

The idea of “pre-cancerous” sent a shiver down my spine. The long-term solution suggested was a hysterectomy. In case you’re wondering, a hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, effectively ending any hope of bearing children. This heavy blow brought profound grief, anger, and sadness, especially considering my ongoing dream of biological motherhood.

Adding to the emotional turmoil, I endured a month of uncertainty and anxiety from when they discovered the mass to the surgery date. It was a month of not knowing what was growing inside me.

In the end, I faced a challenging decision. I chose to undergo a painful Mirena IUD implant procedure. This IUD offered temporary relief by releasing hormones to halt the growth of these ominous masses, although it wasn’t a lasting solution.

Now, I continue to focus on rebuilding my physical health and strength while exploring all available options. My community has been my unwavering support system throughout this emotional journey. TYSAH, or “Treat Your Self And Heal,” has meant altar work, deepening my spiritual practice, finding solace in nature through hikes with friends, hiring an Attunement Coach, and drawing strength from my community. It’s been a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, experimenting with various medications, including herbal remedies, and understanding the importance of rest in this process.

Listening to my body and being proactive about my health led me to this discovering this before it became cancerous. While it’s been a challenging road, I’m determined to heal and explore every avenue available to me. Thank you for being on this journey with me, TYSAH community. Let’s continue to heal together.