Becky's Story
By Renee - Mother of Becky (Becky, teen survivor of sacrococcygeal teratoma) Greetings. I am writing this piece to bring hope to those who are newly diagnosed as carrying a child with a SCT. Becky is the youngest of my three daughters. She was born in 1989. She is a happy, healthy teenager who has full mobility and is the absolute delight of our lives.
My first two pregnancies were fabulous. I was, according to my Doctor, designed to have children. I had only 4 hours of labor with my first, and only 50 minutes with my second. During my third pregnancy, my Doctor and I discussed having a planned, induced labor and delivery near my due date so that I could be guaranteed to deliver in the hospital. I delivered so fast the last time that we were afraid I'd have one pain and one push! .
My memories of this time have faded because of time and because the whole thing was very traumatizing for me, much was never committed to memory to begin with. The day that I found out that something was wrong with the baby, was devastating. I had brought my 3 and 5 year old daughters with me to the obstetrician's office so that they could see the ultrasound that was scheduled that day. I think I was about 7 months along. What was supposed to be a grand, fun event turned into the beginning of a nightmare. The doctor indicated that she thought the baby had a neural tube defect, probably spina-bifida. I had known all about this birth defect, because I had been a handicapped children's aide and educational paraprofessional at a school for medically fragile and special needs children. The doctor decided that we needed to go to the University Hospital for a high resolution ultra sound. They diagnosed the SCT at the University Hospital. We were put in contact with wonderful, expert physicians at the Children's Hospital and assembled a team of them. I switched to an obstetrician specializing in high risk pregnancies. I had a scheduled C-section when an amniocentesis indicated that her lungs were mature. Becky had her surgery, lasting 8 hours, on day 2 of life.
What is important for you to know is that Becky made it through her surgery, through all of the subsequent testing, physical therapy and examinations. We used western medicine and alternative medicine, love, hope, prayer and faith. She is a dynamic kid who is truly a blessing in every way. Becky plans on writing her own piece of the story, and wants Moms who face this new diagnosis to know that there is hope because she is proof thereof!.
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