Mom Undergoes Brain Surgery to Get Pregnant With Second Child

Lisa Fasone, a 32-year-old mother from McHenry, Illinois, has shared her journey through infertility and the challenges posed by a prolactinoma, a benign tumour affecting her pituitary gland. In a conversation with PEOPLE, she recounted the emotional struggle she faced, particularly after her initial attempts to expand her family were met with disappointment.

Fasone and her partner, Larry Brastad, were eager to welcome another child into their family. Following the first birthday of their daughter in February 2023, they began trying to conceive again, hoping to give their child a sibling. However, despite weaning their daughter, the couple faced a year without success. Faced with symptoms such as night sweats, dizziness, and excessive lactation, Fasone sought medical help when her menstrual cycle did not return.

A blood test conducted by her nurse practitioner revealed alarmingly high levels of prolactin, the hormone primarily responsible for milk production. While elevated prolactin can have various causes, including medication interactions or stress, Fasone was in good health and had no identifiable risk factors. This prompted her healthcare team to proceed with an MRI scan, which suggested the presence of a small prolactinoma.

Explaining the condition, Dr. Stephen Magill, a neurological surgery expert, noted that prolactinomas, although non-cancerous, could disrupt hormone levels, potentially leading to a myriad of complications, including infertility. Given the benign nature of the tumour, Fasone was introduced to an endocrinologist for further treatment options.

Initially, Fasone was hopeful when prescribed medication intended to shrink the tumour. However, her experience with the treatment was less than satisfactory. She described severe dizziness and escalating discomfort, ultimately leading to the conclusion that the medication was ineffective. Repeated MRIs showed the tumour was growing rather than diminishing.

Feeling defeated, Fasone found herself grappling with the prospect of never having another child. “I thought I was never going to have another child; it was an awful feeling,” she explained. Throughout this challenging time, Brastad remained supportive, sharing her desire for a larger family and actively assisting in the pursuit of a solution.

After a second opinion from another endocrinologist, Fasone realised the necessity of surgery to remove the tumour if she were to successfully conceive. The notion of elective surgery was daunting for her, as she had previously been hesitant about undergoing any non-essential operations. However, the surgeon assured her that this procedure could significantly improve her chances of starting the family she dreamed of.

On April 16, 2025, under the care of Dr. Magill, the surgery was performed. The operation was designed to remove the pea-sized tumour, utilising a minimally invasive technique that accessed the brain through the nasal passages. The surgery was successful and lasted around three hours, with Fasone spending two nights in recovery at Northwestern Medicine.

Post-operation, Fasone’s prolactin levels quickly normalised, marking a significant turning point in her journey. A month after the surgery, she experienced her first menstrual cycle since giving birth to her first daughter, a moment that brought her overwhelming joy. “I was literally crying tears of joy,” she recalled.

Less than a month later, Fasone discovered she was pregnant again, this time with her second daughter, who was born weighing seven pounds and nine ounces on February 11, 2026. This welcomed addition brought a sense of completion to the family, leaving Fasone feeling immensely grateful.

Now, with her daughters aged four and three months, she has returned to work as a physician assistant and celebrated her recent achievement of earning a doctorate degree. She reflects on her journey, urging other women to trust their instincts and advocate for their health. “If you feel like something is wrong, don’t push it off,” she advised.

With her family now complete, Lisa Fasone expresses profound gratitude for the support she received throughout her battle. Her experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, hope, and self-advocacy in the face of medical challenges.