A Surprising Ultrasound Discovery
Tammy Gonzalez, a resident of Miami, Florida, was in for a shock during a routine ultrasound while she was pregnant. The doctors noticed something unusual above her baby’s mouth – a large bubble. Naturally, both Gonzalez and the medical team were concerned.
A Rare and Dangerous Tumor
Upon closer examination, the doctors identified the bubble as a teratoma, a very rare and often fatal tumor that affects only 1 in every 100,000 births. Faced with this heartbreaking diagnosis, the doctors recommended terminating the pregnancy due to the risks involved.
A Mother’s Unwavering Determination
Despite the devastating prognosis, Gonzalez decided to fight for her baby’s life. She firmly believed that there had to be a way to save her child. Gonzalez refused to give up and started exploring alternative options.
The Revolutionary Endoscopic Surgery
Gonzalez stumbled upon a groundbreaking procedure called endoscopic surgery that had never been attempted before. Without hesitation, she made the brave decision to pursue this uncharted territory, saying, “Let’s do this.”
A Remarkable Surgical Success
Dr. Ruben Quintero, the director of the Fetal Therapy Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, took on the monumental task of performing the surgery. Using a tiny camera and surgical tools, he carefully accessed the tumor through a small incision in Gonzalez’s abdomen and into the amniotic sac. Astonishingly, Gonzalez remained awake throughout the procedure.
The Weight Lifted
Reflecting on the experience, Gonzalez shared, “I couldn’t feel the incision because of the local anesthetic, but I could feel the tube going into the sac. It felt like a popping balloon.” The camera provided a close-up view of the tumor, enabling Dr. Quintero to assess the risk and make critical decisions.
A Miraculous Moment
In a decisive moment, Dr. Quintero cut the stem of the tumor, causing it to detach and fall away. As Gonzalez watched with relief, the tumor disappeared from her baby’s face on the ultrasound screen. It was an incredible moment for Gonzalez, like a tremendous weight being lifted.
A Shrinking Tumor and a Healthy Baby
Since the tumor was too large to be removed through the amniotic sac, it stayed in the womb until Leyna’s birth four months later. By that time, the tumor had significantly shrunk. Leyna entered the world as a healthy baby, with only a small scar on the roof of her mouth as a reminder of her extraordinary journey.
A Miracle Child
Filled with gratitude and joy, Gonzalez happily exclaimed, “She’s perfectly fine. She talks, she drinks. She is my little miracle child.” Leyna’s story is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love and the incredible advancements in medical science.
Share the Miracle
Let’s spread awareness of Leyna’s remarkable journey by sharing this heartwarming tale of resilience and hope with our friends and family. Together, we can celebrate the power of determination and the miracles that can be achieved.
