Where to Start

Justin and I met with a reproductive specialist yesterday. After undergoing all of my cancer treatments and two transplants, we knew that starting a family would be a difficult road. Last month, I finally finished with all of my repeat newborn immunizations. The last one I had to get was for measles, mumps, and rubella since it is a live virus. I am finally done with my anti-rejection medications and most of my immunosuppressants. So, we were given the green light to pursue the next chapter of our journey.

Yesterday, we met with the doctor virtually to go over any initial questions to decide our next steps. To be full transparent, I have been off birth control for about a year and I still haven't gotten a period. This signals possible Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). It is likely that the treatment has damaged my body to the point of menopause and my body is unable to make any eggs.

He discussed two possible options. The first is getting an egg donor. The second is to adopt. Justin and I always talked about the possibility of having to adopt but we never even thought about egg donation. We will both be undergoing additional testing to see if there are any other problems with either of us before we move forward. If they find something wrong with either of us that could impede the possibility of a viable pregnancy through an egg donor, then we will probably take that option off the table.

It's really a lot to think about so I am doing all the research I can handle without becoming overwhelmed. There's only so much I can think about before the testing next week. So far, it's very weird. We are talking about fresh and frozen eggs. It sounds like I'm grocery shopping, but this is for people! That alone is hard to wrap my mind around.

For now, if anyone has any resources, we would appreciate some recommendations. I have reached out to one family I know who has adopted, but I don't know anyone who has used an egg donor. I'd love to connect with some people.