As some of you know, Shawn and I have been on this road to parenthood for over 10 years now. In order to have our own biological child we would have to go through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).Because we were informed through a friend that it would be more cost efficient to travel abroad(which it definitely was), in 2018 we traveled to Thessaloniki, Greece for our first round of IVF. We retrieved 4
very good embryos (none of which were pgt tested). 2 were transferred and 2 were frozen. In 2019, we went back for to transfer the last two frozen embryos. And again, unfortunately those did not take either. I was advised by my Fertility Doc (RET) to get more testing done before we do another round of IVF. In February of 2020 I went to my primary physician because I had been having continuous bleeding. Like my period never stopped. We had and ultrasound done and then I was referred to a gynecologist. We then had a biopsy done and found out I had malignancy in my uterus. We then referred to an oncologist. We determined through an MRI that the malignancy was confined to a polyp. In April of that year, I had a Dilation and curettage (D&C) done and successfully removed the cancerous polyp out. 1 year later, I had another biopsy done and it came out clean and cancer free. In November of 2021, we raised enough funds to have another go at IVF. While doing the necessary imaging for the procedure. They had found once again, abnormal tissue in my uterus. We had another go at the D&C and found out the cancer had came back. I was originally given 5 years to try to have a baby, but then it was shortened to 6 months and now to only to an egg retrieval. Our friend Amy, has been very supportive throughout our journey and had always mentioned that she would love to carry our child if need be. When we found out the results of my cancer, we had asked her to be our gestational carrier and the whole family agreed that Amy will be our surrogate. April of 2022, due to the difficulties of leaving the country for a month and my situation in general we decided to stayed locally. Due to my cancer situation, they had given us a generous discount on the cycle. I had my 3rd egg retrieval. 4 eggs were fertilized into good embryos, but unfortunately non of them test chromosomally normal. On month later we tried at it again. At our 4th egg retrieval, we fertilized 4 and we have 1 chromosomally normal embryo. June 2022, I had my total hysterectomy. They were able to remove all of the cancer with the surgery. I'm still going to my surveillance exams to make sure everything is looking and that no cancer has returned. Now without ovaries, this embryo our only chance to have our biological child. So what now? Amy had an IUD as her birth control. So she had it removed once we got the news. She has to wait at least 3 months to get her body regulated back to normal. Once again we need your financial assistance. Our last egg retrieval cycle, completely used up all our funds and we need to replenish again. What will the funds go to?
- Psychology screening for Shawn and I and Amy’s family -->DONE
- Lawyer Fees. Just to make everything legit. --> IN THE WORKS
- Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine fees for the embryo transfer into Amy and all her labs and testing
- Amy’s meds for the transfer and post transfer
- Possible Insurances - Accidental Death, Short Term Disability and etc.
- And some of Amy’s OB Visits any other medical fees that we may have missed. Once again we truly appreciate everyone’s support throughout this long journey of ours. We couldn’t have made it this far without everyone’s support. We are truly grateful for having each and everyone ones you in our lives. As most of you know, this has been very difficult for us. Not only emotional, but to ask so much from everyone one of you all. We’re very independent and and try to do things ourselves. We are overwhelmed with the support and love everyone has given. Thank you everyone! We love you all!! Marjorie + Shawn
Past stories and fundraisers:
Take two/three: https://gofund.me/31a02585
Take one (Dillow’s Future Kicker Journey): https://gofund.me/96fa8756
Current Go Fund Me Campaign: https://gofund.me/91d7a8db
