Then she tells me my red blood count is lower than average and that I am anemic and she would prefer that I have a hemoglobin test done sooner rather than later. Why I ask? She proceeds to tell me that based on my ethnicity (I am Filipina) that I am probably a carrier of Thalassemia. Thala-what? I ask her what that means... She tells me that since I am probably a carrier, and if my husband turns out to be a carrier, that DNA testing would then need to be done on the baby to determine if the baby was affected. I ask her what that looks like - if the baby were affected -- she tells me that it could mean multiple blood transfusions and a shortened life expectancy... I get all teary eyed and think I am going to lose it in the Dr's office. She realizes she was too forward and pulls back telling me that she has never seen a case that severe and that they are just being cautious.
In walks Jaime... she explains to him that he must also be tested. I then get to hear the baby's heartbeat and am instantly in love...again...
We get home and I lose it. I start crying. I felt so scared and helpless. Jaime tells me it's going to be okay... I hope it is...
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