Don’t Worry, It’s Super Common

Since I shared about my medical concern (ovarian cyst) on Instagram I have received so many lovely messages. I wanted to thank each of you for your prayers and thoughtful comments. I know that a few of you have wanted to know a little bit more information and have thanked me for being so open. This has lead me to write out the background story a bit more in depth here. Always sharing to hope to encourage, help another mama out, and to remind us all that we are never alone through anything.

When I had my first ultrasound with Sophie the doctors discovered that I had a cyst on one of my ovaries. I wasn’t really phased by it at all as they said that if it isn’t bothering me then there was nothing to worry about. Especially because I was pregnant, there really wasn’t anything that could/would be done. The doctors encouraged me that once I had Sophie that we could have it checked out again and see if it had changed at all. “Don’t Worry, It’s Super Common,” was said to me a few times from doctors about my ovarian cyst.

For the entire pregnancy, basically, I didn’t think about it. I knew having an ovarian cyst was super common, there was nothing they could do and it wasn’t bothering me. I basically told myself that there was nothing there.

After Sophie’s emergency C-section delivery I had a follow up appointment with my OB. We chatted about healing after my C-section as well as my ovarian cyst. The OB informed me again that my ovarian cyst wasn’t anything to be worried about. He also gave me a choice, to have it removed or not. I decided to let it be. With the knowledge that I knew we were going to want to have another child in the next couple years I didn’t want to risk any infection with another surgery.

Two years and a wee bit later, I got pregnant with Evelyn. As the lady is doing my first ultrasound I mention that I know I have an ovarian cyst.  I felt her demeanour change part way through my appointment and wanted to assure her I was aware of it. I didn’t ask her any questions regarding it, assuming I would hear an update at my next appointment. I didn’t end up hearing anything about it at my appointments (I also forgot to ask).  It got to a point where I actually thought that it may not be there anymore. Wouldn’t that be nice.

It wasn’t until James and I recently applied for life insurance that it came up that I had an uncompleted ultrasound appointment that needed to be complete. My doctor had written me out a requisition to go in to get a follow up ultrasound after Evelyn’s birth and I had completely forgotten about it. We had a new appointment booked and just last week I went in.

This appointment wasn’t your average pregnancy ultrasound. Let’s just say it got a little invasive. I reminded myself while being checked that it needs to be done and it is for the best, all while thinking, common woman are you done yet?

At the end of last week I got to hear from my doctor the results of the ultrasound. The cyst has grown, to almost double in size. For what was 2cm a couple years ago is now almost 4cm. I think my eyes came out of my head. Holy. “Ummmm ok,” is how I responded out loud. The doctor assured me, “Don’t worry, It’s super common.” Right ok, nothing to worry about.

As some of you know, my sister heard similar words not to worry when she had a lump removed late last year/early this year. She has had amazing results, but because of that those words just aren’t as reassuring as they once were when I had my first ultrasound.

Related: The Best Possible Outcome

Last night we went to a family gathering and one of my husband’s cousins is a doctor. When I chatted with her about my results, she really did reassure me about how common an ovarian cyst is. She encouraged that I shouldn’t need surgery unless I really wanted to have it removed. It felt so great to hear from someone that I really trust. So as I wait for my next appointment with my OB I am trusting. Reminding myself not to worry and putting my trust in His plan (easier said than done that’s for sure!).

Thanks for all the lovely messages that each of you have sent. Sometimes I feel like I have been a bit overdramatic about this little experience, but then at the same time I think because I have chosen to be so open about so much through social media it is just as important to be open about the not so lovely things. So thanks for listening, thanks for your prayers and thanks for the love.

Photography: Julie Christine

Outfit: Hunni’s Boutique