Alright, finally here's some updates

As this is already the 22nd weeks.. We have been shuffling to NUH and TMC these two days, spoken to the experts, on the complications and understanding more on the post birth surgery.  We spoke to Prof Biswas (Gynae and fetal assessment, NUH), Prof Prabhakaran (Padietric surgery, NUH) and Dr TC Chang (TMC, for second opinion).  All are experts in their own field.  This is what we have gathered.

1. So Far, the baby is growing well, and the cyst is growing too, the cyst is not going to disappear spontaneously but will continue to grow as the baby grows.

2. At this point in time, we only know its a fluid cyst and estimated it to be highly probably a branchial cyst, but it could however jolly well end up a thyroid cyst, branchial cyst or cystic hygroma, but whatever it is, it have to be excised once baby is delivered.

3. This is a 1 in 5000 birth cases that would have happened, its a rare rare phenomenon and on average singapore only sees 4 cases of such annually... which is a rather rare hit..

4. I will have to undergo caeserean as there is no way baby can come out naturally.

5. Baby will be considered for surgery once its delivered, if he doesnt go under surgery immediate after born, he will be hospitalised for CT or further scanning, testing and diagnosed further before going under operation.  Baby will be hospitalised in neonatal or ICU from birth until after surgery till recovery, we estimated at least one month stay period.

6. I will have to be admitted to NUH for gynae and delivery, and will opt for subsidized ward as i can't go in as a private patient since baby will be considered as private immed too and the costs will be exorbitantly hugh which no one can afford.  

7. Only worry now is that the growth of the cyst may block the Esophagus and may cause a danger to both mum and baby, which will result in pre-mature delivery due to excess of the amnio fluid inside the womb.

8. Both the doctors at NUH from gynae and pediatric are very helpful and gave useful advice, they will work together with me and consider all options of delivery, when to deliver, how to deliver, when baby must undergo surgery, what kind of surgery, ward to admit to etc.

Next steps to take,

9. Discuss with Dr Choo Wan Ling on changing gynae service and register myself as a NUH patient

10. Continue to monitor closely with Prof Biswas and Prof Prabhakaran on the situation of the baby during every scan.

11. We have been to search for infant cares but so far those near to us are full and not taking in anymore intake until 2010.  We have to consider other option which includes looking for outside nannies, maid or best choice my MIL for help since baby will need special care after the ops.

There is nothing really we can do right now, except praying that we do not have to undergo pre-mature delivery, growth of cyst do not grow out of proportion and cause other complications and that everything is under control until my full term..