Last fall, we introduced our community to Jamie Lane, a passionate advocate for women’s health, former beauty queen, and full-time model. Jamie, under the guidance of Dr. Sarah Greene, has chosen to embark on an IVF journey combined with Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to minimize the risk of passing on a hereditary condition to her future children.
Through her blogs and videos, Jamie aims to shed light on the often-misunderstood world of infertility treatment. She hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges, reminding them that they are not alone. “I want to share my story in the hopes that it might help someone else on a similar path,” she shares.
In her first blog about her IVF decision, Jamie writes:
“I cover a range of topics on my blog—everything from my experiences abroad and breast health to pageants and even the Electoral College! However, I never anticipated discussing my IVF journey. But here we are! I’m thrilled to share what this process entails because there’s so much confusion surrounding it.
Let’s be real: IVF can feel intimidating. At least, the thought of it can be! For my husband and me, IVF isn’t about infertility issues; instead, it’s a proactive choice due to my carrier status of a rare recessive genetic disorder known as Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS). This genetic anomaly occurs in approximately 1 in every 250,000 male births, so it’s likely unfamiliar to many.
Sadly, WAS has deeply impacted my family. I lost three uncles to WAS-related conditions before they reached adulthood. This disorder is linked to the X chromosome, meaning there’s a 50% chance that my male children could be affected, while my female children would be carriers like me. That’s a heavy burden to carry.
When I discovered that IVF with PGT could help identify healthy embryos before transfer, it felt like a tremendous relief. By selecting only the unaffected embryos, I could essentially break this cycle in my family. My future sons would be free from WAS, and my daughters wouldn’t have to worry about passing it on. It was an empowering realization!
Next, I sought an IVF clinic that specializes in PGT, and that’s when I found the perfect fit. I had heard about a top fertility practice from friends and knew they had a stellar reputation. Their proven track record of helping couples achieve their dreams of parenthood truly resonated with me. Plus, they were known for their expertise in PGT, which is critical for ensuring a healthy baby.
As I researched, I learned that PGT can address various genetic concerns, including chromosomal abnormalities and conditions like BRCA 1 and 2 (the breast cancer gene mutations). I was thrilled to share this information with the breast cancer community, offering hope and a solution for those burdened by similar family histories.
A significant factor in my decision was the flexibility of the clinic’s locations. My career takes me all over the place, so I was concerned about being tied down during the treatment process. Thankfully, their numerous locations across the country meant I could receive care even while traveling.
Finding the right doctor was a breeze when I discovered that my childhood friend, Lucy, worked there. I reached out to her for recommendations, and she highly recommended Dr. Sarah Greene. After our first consultation, it was clear I was in excellent hands; Dr. Greene’s expertise and kindness put me at ease.
With everything in place, I was ready to embark on this new chapter of my life.
Stay tuned for more updates on my IVF journey and tips for navigating this process! And if you’re curious about fetal development, check out this post on fetal hiccups.
To learn more about infertility treatments and home insemination, you can explore this excellent resource.
Summary:
Jamie Lane’s IVF journey is a testament to resilience and hope. With the aid of PGT, she aims to eliminate the risk of passing on a genetic disorder to her children, showcasing the power of modern medicine in family planning. As she documents her experiences, she hopes to support and uplift others navigating similar paths.