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Post-treatment fertility

rosieposie2
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Hi.
I am looking for some information on accessing fertility assessments.
I had lymphoma 4 years ago and was treated with chemotherapy. Before treatment, I was counselled on the potential effects of the prescribed chemo (ABVD) which I was reassured would have a very low risk of damaging my fertility, and so I opted out of fertility preservation treatment at the time as I was only 26 and felt I'd rather just get on with my treatment. However, due to an adverse reaction after the first round, I was very quickly switched onto GemCis chemo, I now know is much worse for fertility. I was not advised of this potential side effect being so much higher risk at the time, which I am quite angry about now.
I'm 30 now and I am hoping to start a family in the next few years, and I am seeking some reassurance on how badly my ovarian reserve has been affected by the chemo. I tried to request AMH testing or antral follicle counts from both my GP and my private health insurance (AXA) and it was declined on the grounds that I had not been trying to concieve for >2 years, even though I provided my cancer history to them. Ive read elsewhere that this should not be the case for cancer survivors given the known impact on our fertility, so I am struggling to understand how to get my concerns "heard". It is a HUGE source of anxiety right now for me because if I found out now that I'm actually the equivalent of e.g., a 38 year old, we would try and have children sooner, but ideally we are hoping to wait a little while longer. But I am absolutely terrified that in 2 years I will find out that it is too late and I've missed my chance to have children, it would absolutely break my heart. I don't understand why none of my healthcare providers are able to do anything about this.
So, long story short I am trying to find out if there is a specific way to access these tests where I wont keep being told that I am being ridiculous for worrying about it at the age of 30 when I am not yet trying for children (a direct quote from my GP...). 
Thanks in advance for any advice! 
Parents

  • Hello rosieposie2 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about the worrying time that you have been having thinking about your fertility.

    You may still be followed up by your hospital so do get in touch with your haematology nurse and ask their advice.

    I know that Cisplatin can have an effect on fertility but a lot of women do go on and have a normal pregnancy. You could also get in touch with your haematologist and also ask their advice. They may be able to arrange tests at the hospital or write to your GP and suggest that they do tests.

    Pregnancy for many women can take time and often anxiety about getting pregnant can be a contributary factor.

    As your GP said it may be a case of waiting a while for things to happen rather then jumping in with tests.

    You are very welcome to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurse.

    The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines ar open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

Reply

  • Hello rosieposie2 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about the worrying time that you have been having thinking about your fertility.

    You may still be followed up by your hospital so do get in touch with your haematology nurse and ask their advice.

    I know that Cisplatin can have an effect on fertility but a lot of women do go on and have a normal pregnancy. You could also get in touch with your haematologist and also ask their advice. They may be able to arrange tests at the hospital or write to your GP and suggest that they do tests.

    Pregnancy for many women can take time and often anxiety about getting pregnant can be a contributary factor.

    As your GP said it may be a case of waiting a while for things to happen rather then jumping in with tests.

    You are very welcome to ring and chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurse.

    The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines ar open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

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