Margaret Boemer’s routine prenatal checkup revealed a distressing diagnosis: her baby had a rare tumor near the tailbone. Doctors warned that if left untreated, the tumor could cause heart failure and jeopardize the baby’s life. Despite recommendations to terminate the pregnancy, Margaret and her husband sought a second opinion at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Two experienced doctors there had successfully performed similar surgeries in the past.
The couple made the difficult decision to undergo in utero surgery. At 23 weeks, the tumor had grown so large that immediate intervention was necessary. The surgery carried significant risks, including the possibility of the uterus rupturing. After a lengthy and delicate procedure, where Lynlee’s heart even stopped momentarily, doctors successfully removed 90 percent of the tumor and placed her back in the womb.
Margaret had to remain on bed rest in Houston for the remainder of her pregnancy. Against all odds, Lynlee continued to grow, and her heart function improved. At nearly 36 weeks, Margaret underwent a C-section, and Lynlee entered the world healthy and crying. The newborn, weighing 5 pounds and 5 ounces, was a far cry from the small figure operated on just weeks earlier.
Eight days after birth, Lynlee underwent another surgery to remove the remaining part of the tumor. While she may require additional operations in the future, she is currently recovering well and hitting her developmental milestones. The Boemers are grateful for the attention their story has received and hope it brings solace to others facing similar challenges, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles.
