At 39, Police Officer Emma faced the unimaginable when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She feared her dreams of starting a family were shattered. Yet, this holiday season, Emma and her partner, firefighter Mark, are joyfully welcoming their baby, whom they named Ayah, which means miracle. Emma recounts her story:
“In December 2013, I visited my GP due to a persistent cough and pain in my lower abdomen. After a swift referral to the hospital, doctors discovered a tumor as large as a rugby ball. I had surgery to remove the tumor and my ovary, and I was discharged just before Christmas.
However, at the start of the new year, I learned that the tumor contained cancer cells. I was diagnosed with Stage 1C Moderately Differentiated Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the ovary, a rare form of cancer for someone my age. I needed immediate treatment but managed to collect a few eggs before starting chemotherapy, as it would affect my remaining ovary. Despite having tried to conceive for the last two years, we knew this was our only shot. Instead of dwelling on what might go wrong, we trusted the process and focused on the support from medical professionals.
My oncologist arranged for us to receive treatment at Oxford Fertility. The moment we arrived at the clinic, we were greeted by a calming atmosphere and caring staff. They went above and beyond to assist us, making us feel at home throughout the process.
During treatment, our hopes were modest. I produced only four eggs, and just one successfully fertilized. We opted to freeze this embryo, holding onto our dreams of parenthood. I viewed this journey as an adventure rather than a challenge. While off work, I took the opportunity to fundraise and even shaved my head, raising £6,500 for a cancer support charity. This effort led to my recognition as a Macmillan Cancer Champion.
After eight months of treatment, I received the all-clear, and I was put on a five-year check-up plan. During a vacation last year, Mark and I discussed our frozen embryo and decided to return to Oxford Fertility to see if we could make our dreams a reality. Although it would have been easier emotionally to not try, we knew we would always wonder what might have been.
Returning to the clinic for our IVF cycle, four years after our initial attempt, was nerve-wracking. A couple of weeks later, a positive result on our pregnancy test left us in disbelief. When we finally went for a scan, we were anxious, fearing disappointment. But seeing that little heartbeat was an unforgettable moment, filled with tears of joy.
My workplace was incredibly supportive, allowing me to take time off to focus on my health and pregnancy. After nine months, our daughter Ayah was born—she is our miracle and our everything.
I owe immense gratitude to the clinic, my family, and friends who stood by us. Special thanks go to my doctor who recognized the signs of my condition and directed me to the hospital, ultimately saving my life. And of course, my partner Mark has been my steadfast support throughout this journey. I have no doubt he’ll be Ayah’s hero too, as she’s already his little girl.”
If you’re interested in starting your own fertility journey, check out other informative posts, like this one about autumn delights with farm-to-table family fresh foraged. And for those exploring home options, Make a Mom offers great insights into at-home insemination kits. For further reading, WebMD is an excellent resource for understanding IUI success rates.
In summary, Emma’s story is a testament to resilience and hope. After overcoming a cancer diagnosis, she and Mark embraced IVF, ultimately welcoming their miracle baby, Ayah. Their journey highlights the importance of support, determination, and the power of medical advancements in achieving parenthood against the odds.