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Mustard Seed: Faith, Hope, and Love

By Sasha Zarya Nexus

Chapter Eight ~ Second Trimester

How is little 'mustard seed' doing as Laura enters the second trimester of the pregnancy?

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May 8, 2008 ~ Second Trimester

Each of the days that followed, since little mustard seed was safely implanted along with Laura's new womb, was a blessing to the twin sisters.  Laura was glad that most of the rough times had passed while Leira was carrying the baby for the first 2 months of the trimester.  Laura was glad that even the effects that she had felt, and she did have her own challenges with morning sickness were coming to an end since today she was entering her second Trimester.

Leira helped Laura thru her experiences with the pregnancy. 

Leira thought, ~'How are you doing, Laura? Any morning sickness?'~

Laura responded, ~'I feel wonderful Leira!  The morning sickness seems to be mostly over'~

~'Lucky you! I carried "little mustard seed" thru most of the first trimester so I've been well acquainted with morning sickness.'~

~'Now it is over for both of us and good riddance for now.   I will gladly go thru it again for the sake of another child'~

~'Mark and I have dibs on one more child.  If by chance you found yourself with a husband who gave you a child of your own, we could negotiate the timing.'~

~'I am more than happy to carry another child for you two.   This has been such a blessing so far for me.'~

~'Sister dear, you avoided the real point.   Do I hear wedding bells?'~

~'Terry is wonderful and I believe he will ask me.   I believe he has a notion that I should be delivered before he asks me to marry him.'~

~'Is that related to the ring prophesy?'~

~'Partially yes.   Even though we both say that our relationship is independent of what ever the ring says about us, its difficult to completely ignore it.'~

~'And what is the other part?'~

~'Terry thinks that it won't be till after delivery that I will be out of this bed and not having to be protected from germs.  That has taken away the chance for us to really enjoy the benefits of a courtship and that may have made a difference.'~

~'So if you were released from bed rest, then perhaps it might be earlier.'~

~'Even so, I don't expect it before 20 weeks when we find out the gender of the child.'~

~'Good Luck Sis when ever it it and have a nice day'~

~Be well Sis! Bye!'~

 It was a special day for the fetal researchers with the ordinary things they would be excited to document in the child for the entry into the second trimester.  It was also a month since the implantation and they wanted to be careful to look for any signs of problems. Thus far in the daily exams nothing had been detected that was felt might be a problem.  Laura had plenty of tests to look forward to receiving.  They all wanted to have the most up to date data to present at the team meeting tonight.  It was a relief that everything was going rather ordinary.

Dr. Glynis Thompson said, "I believe we are going to have some good news for you at the meeting tonight, Laura." Glynis smiled down at Laura and held her hand.

Laura told her, "What is that Doctor Thompson?" and she smiled up at Glynis.   Glynis had been taking such good care of her in Dr Robin's absence.   Dr Robin flew up to visit from time to time but she was back taking care of all her other patients at her clinic.

"You are really doing well and we've been able to get all kinds of research data which should be able to help the next person who does this." Glynis observed

"And Leira's baby?"

"She is doing fine as well.  'Little Mustard Seed' is going to be a remarkable child.   She's growing strong, right on schedule."

"She?  Do you know the child's gender?"

"Not yet but I always refer to unborn children as she.   They have life so it would not be appropriate for me to say it.  I'm always hopeful that another girl will be born into the world until proven otherwise."

"I agree with your way of thinking, Doctor.   When do you feel we will know?"

"Barring the need for invasive testing due to something going really wrong, we should know the answer at 20 weeks.  We've gotten pretty good at telling now even though that kind of evidence can be wrong."

"That's about the same time that the brain will be mostly developed?"

"Yes, the child should become aware of music, voices and sounds."

"And if she is anything like her real mother and I, she might start speaking to me telepathically.  I'll ask her then because she will know for sure about her gender." 

"If she starts speaking telepathically then that will be another interesting source of data.   We know how to monitor it as we did between you and your sister so we will be listening out for it as well.   I only wish we knew how to decode what we detect and maybe if we are listening in to Baby's first telepathic words it will give us a clue how to do that."

"I will be glad to help with that.   Is there any luck with the data in determining what put me in that coma right after implantation?"

"What ever caused it reversed itself as quickly as it acted.   All we know is that your condition has been clear ever since and we don't expect it to repeat."

"That's good for me!  Hopefully it was something specific to my physiology and the next girl who tries this won't encounter the same thing."

It was also a special day for the stem cell researchers to see if the ground breaking treatment which enabled there to be a seamless transition from the tissue that had always been Laura's to the tissue of the womb that had been implanted.  If it could be confirmed that there was no longer a seam but just continuous tissue then Laura could make plans to have the baby be delivered by natural child birth.  Dr Gwen Mathers came by to see Laura while Dr Glynis Thompson was still in with her.

Dr Gwen Mathers greeted, "Good morning Laura and Dr Thompson.   I have some good news for Laura that I will be taking to the meeting tonight.

Dr. Glynis Thompson  replied," I'll be taking some good news about Laura's health and the baby's as well.  What is your news, Doctor Mathers?"

Dr Mathers replied, "The latest tests confirm that the implanted reproductive system is yours completely now.   The stem cells have finished their work and there is no difference from your state now and if you had been born with those organs.  Antibody tests that originally showed a slight increase above norm now are a bit below normal since you've been kept in a sterile environment.  Environmental precautions are no longer needed as well as the confinement to bed.   You still need constant monitoring but I am going to recommend you be given the run of the facility.   And with proper conditioning and training, you'll be able to have natural childbirth. "

Laura was excited," I'll be able to be up and around! That's wonderful!"

Gwen continued," You'll have a list of activity restrictions but it will be good to be able to do more than the physiotherapy you have been getting in bed.   Now is a good time to get you up and about before you get too big.   I was hoping for this but the way that you have responded beats even the best estimates of prognosis given before we started."

Glynis interjected, "That's wonderful news, Laura!   We only have our piece of the picture but if no one else on your case has something else that requires you to have bed rest then the order to release you should be issued after the progress report tonight.  You've been in bed for so long that there will be a transition of physiotherapy before you are released to roam the facility.   We'll want to make sure that you are strong enough to be up and around."

Laura grinned, "I will be looking forward to regaining my strength and my eventual release should that be the order given tonight.   Thank you for my wonderful news today, Doctors!"    

Dr Mathers answered, " You are so welcome, Laura.   I have to get some work done for the progress report tonight.  Take care Laura."

Dr Thompson agreed, "Laura I have to go get some other work done too.   Have a wonderful day!"

Hope thought, ~'Daddy's on the way!  I hope you two have fun to day!'~

Laura sent, ~'Thank you Hope! We always have fun.  Please come visit me later so I can see you.'~

Hope replied, ~'I will, Mom!  Be good! Bye for now!'~

Laura finished, ~'Bye, Daughter!'~

Both doctors left the room and Laura who had a great big grin on her face.  Dr. Sommers reentered the room when the two doctors on Laura's case left.   Terry and Hope had spent most of the days together by Laura's side.  Now that Laura appeared to be really alright after that scare when she had gone into a coma, Hope felt like she didn't have to physically hold Laura's hand to make sure she would be OK.  Instead Hope had been sending her Daddy off by himself to go visit Laura when all the time carrying on a running telepathic conversation with Laura only stopping while Laura talked with Hope's father.

Terry asked, "What brought that grin to your face, sweetheart? I love to see you happy but this seems much more than normal."

Laura answered, "Darling, I've just heard from my Doctors that they may let me out of this bed.   I'll still be confined to the facility for monitoring.   I'll also get to take classes and have natural childbirth!"

Terry replied, "That's wonderful news, sweetie.   If they are going to let you loose on the facility, you might also have the sterile conditions restrictions will be lifted too.   That brings all kinds of interesting possibilities."

Laura giggled, "I'm looking forward to exploring all those possibilities with you Terry!"

"And I with you, Sweetie.  I love you, Laura!'

"I love you too, Terry!   By midway thru the pregnancy, we ought to know if I am bearing my niece or nephew.   Then we will see just how good your sister was at predicting the future!"

"My sister was amazing!   If it were not for her vision to help women like you and your sister, we may not have ever met.   I am so glad that we did!"

"I'm glad too, darling!  Having my own womb means that I will be able to bear my own child!   It's a miracle and a dream come true.  I've promised Leira and Mark that I will be surrogate to another child for them.  Outside of that I'll be ready for what ever chances that occur."

"You'll be a good mother to your own baby when ever that may occur.   I'd love to be a father again, myself.   Being a father to Hope has been the most worthwhile thing I have done with my life so far."

"Hope is a blessing.   In such a short time she's become like my own daughter.   Her acceptance of our love has made my part in your family so easy.   And she's not bashful in saying that she wants me to be family.  Hope is so easy to love."

"I'm glad you two have bonded.   I've tried to take up the slack for her mother having died but she's getting to the age that having a mother around is very important.  When a child has both a mother and a father then she can be certain of having everything she needs to grow up as she should."

 "Its so wonderful having you around, Terry.  You've made me a very happy girl in a relatively short time."

"And I intend to keep bringing that happiness to you just like you have brought to me.   I have some things to check on so I will see you later, Laura.  Bye!"

"Bye Darling!'  

 Terry left knowing that those moments with Laura would make the work ahead bearable.  She had really made a difference in his life and ring or not, he intended to ask Laura to marry him when the time was right.

Mark was always there by Leira's side.   He didn't have any of the special abilities that Leira possessed but he was special in his own way.  His love for Leira was real and he was very good at expressing that love so that Leira could see that it was real too.  They both loved the 'little mustard seed' growing in Laura's womb.  They would be very glad when 'little mustard seed' was born and could be in her doting mother's arms and watched over by her father..

Mark said, "How are you feeling, Sweetheart?"

Leira replied, "I'm coping rather well.   The joy coming thru our empathic link from Laura warms my heart since part is her enjoyment of carrying 'Mustard Seed' and the other is that she is in love with a wonderful guy who has an amazing daughter."

"I'm glad that things are looking up for her.   She's had so much turmoil in her life and it is nice that things are going her way. Have the doctors told you anything about your progress?"

"The last report that I heard was very promising.   They were all gearing up for a progress report today.   They promised me a preview in a bit.  I feel stronger so that indicates to me that things are still on the right track."

"Can I do anything or get anything for you, Leira?"

"Just hold me!" And Mark took Leira in his arms and hugged her tight as though he would never let her go.

Leira's cancer treatments proceeded in a favorable way.  She had gotten over the surgery that had removed her womb very well.  Leira was responding well to the conventional cancer treatments that she could now receive without her being pregnant.  The research team were trying new treatments designed to negate the negative aspects of the cancer treatment.  On top of that, more of her stem cells were harvested and made into tissue that turned the cancer tissue in her lungs to normal tissue.  The treatments all together were almost miraculous to stop the spread of the cancer and better still to eliminate some that already existed.   Leira was getting a lot of tests today to round out the data that would be presented on her recovery at the team meeting tonight. Doctor Carrey and Doctor Mathers came in to give Leira an update while Mark excused himself to take care of something for Leira.  Both Doctors greeted her warmly and checked the current readings of her monitors.

Leira showed she was feeling upbeat and asked, "Greeting Doctor Carrey and Doctor Mathers!  What news do you bring me today?"

Dr. Viola Carrey answered. "It's good news! Our combined therapy approach has isolated the cancer to the already affected area of the lungs and has prevented any spread of cancerous tissue.   This in itself leads to an optimistic assessment of your condition.  This is amazing since at the same time your body had to cope with the donation of your womb.   The techniques used in the surgery and inclusion of stem cells at the interfaces to encourage healing has led to a complete stabilization.   We are keeping your hormone balance stable with HRT.  The complete stop of the cancer advancing means that when the foothold that the cancer has in your lungs has been ended then prognosis is good for a complete cure. Even though you are responding well to the therapies, It is not easy to predict when you will be cured but we certainly expect a complete cure by Christmas."

Leira told her, "That would be a wonderful Christmas present!  Thank you Doctor Carrey!"

Dr Gwen Mathers added, "More and more of your lung tissue which had been cancerous has been changed into normal tissue with the action of the stem cells that have been introduced into your lungs.   Between this action and the action of the drug therapy which is killing cancer cells, your condition is becoming more and more favorable.  I agree that a complete cure is to be expected at least by Christmas if not before."

Leira replied. "I feel so lucky to be taken such good care of!   Thank you both and your staffs for everything that you have been doing for me!"

Viola finished, "I have to put the final touches on my report before I turn it in, so I will take my leave of you. Bye!"

Gwen added, "I have to do the same thing.   Take care Leira and best wishes for your recovery.  Bye!"

Leira smiled widely, "Thank you Doctors for this great news!  See you later!"

Both doctors gave her a smile and a touch and were off to finish their reports.

Dr Erika had arranged for a group session with Miss Jessica Majors and her sister, Leigh Majors  since this was a landmark occasion.  Ordinarily  would be meeting with Dr Erika and the University Transition Support Group.  Ordinarily, Dr Erika knew a person in Laura's situation would not be attending any support group at all.  Still Erika had her evaluation of Laura's state of mind to submit for the team meeting.  It was also the baby that Laura was carrying that got Jessica to start transition.  The interesting thing was that Terry was back as Laura's significant other who has started out in group as 'Theresa' one of the potential surrogates.  There were rumors that Terry intended to pop the question after Laura delivered.   They were all friends and it was a good excuse to visit in the final analogy.

Dr Erika, "I'm glad to have all of us gathered together again.   I'd like to welcome back Terry who as Theresa started out in our group.   And greetings to Laura who is participating via closed circuit TV.   Let's go around the room and check in starting with Leigh." 

 Leigh started, "I'm happy to be back here where it all began.   I'm having fun meeting the challenges being with Dr Erika and Leigh in the University Transitions Support Group.   The university is really forward thinking providing both of us at no charge to the students because we can really do a lot of good without a financial burden on the students.  It is really satisfying to watch each one blossom and meet their potential.   Its also been nice being with Jessica during this important part of her life and watching her blossom as well.  I don't know if I will ever return to the clientele that I used to serve after the rewards of helping the transgender community.

Jessica spoke, "I guess I'm next.   It has been eye opening being in a support group with a number of students going thru the same things that I am.   In a lot of ways, I have been luckier than most of them since I had my transition kick started here and all of the resources that were available to help me.  I've been dating and liking it lots.   While I don't have a significant other in my life yet, I feel that it is only a matter of time.   I am taking one day at a time and being glad for the blessings that each day brings."

Laura giggled, "From where the TV in your room is placed, that means I am next.  I'm pregnant!   I am very glad about that because it means that my niece or nephew is safe.   It also means that my sister Leira can get all the care that she needs to knock out the cancer.   I want my sister to be around a very long time so she can see her child grow up into the amazing person that she will be with my sister as her parent.  I've also found love!  Terry has been a blessing to me getting me thru my part of the first trimester with the uncomfortable things that go on.  Hope has become like a daughter to me and I am very lucky that both of them have come into my life."  

Terry told them, "I am very fortunate to be Laura's boyfriend and Hope's father.  I'm very glad for the work of the foundation and that it's resources were available to help Leira and Laura specifically but also others in the process.  While my contribution was not needed, I was fully committed to the project and if selected, I would have hoped to bear up as well as Laura has done.   While I immersed myself in becoming Theresa, I myself am not transgendered and so I am very pleased that I have been able to return to normal.  The experience has given me a perspective that will continue to be important to me."

Dr Erika concluded, "I guess that will have to be all for now.   There is am important project progress report that it is necessary for most of us to attend.   Thank you everyone and I look forward to doing this again soon."

Everyone left to take their places in the conference room for the project progress report.   Laura was watching on closed circuit TV from her bed again,  but the remainder of the team were gathered in the conference room to discuss the latest developments from Laura, Leira and 'little mustard seed'.

Dr Kathryn Jenkins started, "I have all the reports and data in concerning the project's focus subjects.   First, I will address Laura and the baby that she is carrying.  The child, who has been nicknamed by her mother and sister, 'Mustard Seed' is in perfect health and continues development right on schedule.  The child, as we planned, was not impacted in any way.   What we have is a normal pregnancy, even though carried by a mother and surrogate, which is now entering the second trimester.

"Next I will address Laura's condition.  With the exception of the coma that Laura went into shortly after implantation of the womb and child, Laura is in exceptional health.  We have not been able to determine what was the source of Laura's coma which left just as quickly as it came.   While we continue to study the data stream from that event, since we can not detect any contributing factors, we don't deem it a significant consideration.  

"Laura's body is responding in a normal way for a woman carrying a child in her second trimester.   The ground breaking stem cell therapy that Laura received to mitigate rejection has been completely successful.   There are no longer any interfaces but every thing is continuous tissue.  With the donor womb, now being totally Laura's without any interface, fears of a separation are now boundless as are fears of rejection.  Without those contraindications of any physical activity, the only remaining concerns are monitoring and swift delivery of medical services.   Those concerns may be met by confining Laura to the bounds of the facility, subject to normal precautions for a woman in her condition.     

"Physical activity is desirable to prepare the woman for any method of delivery.  Instead of a cesarean, a vaginal delivery should be primary now with natural childbirth also possible.   I am issuing orders to Laura's physiotherapist to put her on a regime that will result in her being strong enough to discontinue bed rest and resume normal activity for a woman in her condition.  With Laura observing the proper cautions, a return to normal activity is in the best interest of both herself and the child she carries.    She should be ready for natural childbirth classes if she chooses when she begins her third trimester. 

"Finally, I will address Leira's condition.  The combined therapies have resulted in the stop of the cancer's spread and progress is being made in eliminating the cancer in Leira's lungs.  She has completely recovered from the surgery which she donated her womb,  Her doctors predict short term remission of symptoms and long term a complete cure.  A significant factor in her treatment is the stem cell therapy provided by Doctor Mathers' team as well as both established and experimental cancer therapies." 

"All in all, everything is proceeding in accordance to our expectations.   We look forward to successful final outcomes for Leira, Laura and Mustard Seed."

With that Dr Jenkins dismissed everyone and they began to chat among themselves and offer their regards to both Leira and Laura.  While both Leira and Laura would have rather been home with their significant others and their lives back to normal, each valued the medical attention that they were receiving.  They were practical in realizing that neither of their situations was ordinary as a result of the transplant.  Having the medical facilities there in case something out of the ordinary occurred was a great peace of mind.