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Preserving Fertility

EmsyB
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Hi, to be brief ... I was diagnosed as metastatic breast cancer and started chemo about 6 weeks ago (had 3 rounds so far). Miraculously my diagnosis/prognosis has potentially changed as my Dr is no longer convinced my cancer has spread. So now we're planning new treatment of mastectomy followed by radiotherapy once my chemo is complete in November. Before all this my husband and i were about to try for a second baby, and my Dr has mentioned that although I have started chemo i could begin meds to preserve what fertility i have left (no egg harvesting as i am 38). I am HER2+ so after surgery will have 12 months of MABS so looking at 2021 before we could consider trying for a child and this is after chemo, surgery, radiation... etc. As you can probably tell from my tone i am not convinced i want the additional aggro of putting my ovaries into suspended animation and having menopause symptoms whilst dealing with all this, plus chances of getting pregnant post chemo over 40 is diminished regardless of what drugs i take now however my husband really really wants me to preserve what fertility i have left, and I don't feel it's my decision alone. He thinks we should not take anything off the table, and keep all our options open. Anyone any thoughts? 

Thanks

Em

  • Hi EmsyB,

    I'm sorry to read what you're going through at the moment although glad to hear there are some positives with your prognosis.

    As for your dilemma, I can only suggest to have an open discussion with your husband about what you both want, and weighing up all options. It may also be good to discuss this with a friend or someone independent.

    My reply here will also boost your post so more people will see it and hopefully others will be along soon.

    Perhaps it is a case of considering how you feel and any difficulties now vs. how you might feel in November and beyond once you have moved forward with treatment.

    I hope you're able to come to a decision soon and that you also find further support with this.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Ben

    Hi emeyB I hope you don't mind but you've got alot of treatment and operations to go through I'd say enough it's you who is having everything done to you you might be in no condition for anything else even in a few years, is it worth it more operations, and treatment, what ever you choose good luck.. Billy 

  • Offline

    Thanks both, i decided to go for it because who knows how i'll feel in a couple of years time and never say never. Plus i'm likely to have menopausal symptoms anyway with the chemo so may as well. Cheers, appreciate your replying to me

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