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Coping with infertility after HER+ breast cancer

Tsarina
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Hi everyone.

I was diagnosed with HER+ breast cancer 2 years ago.  I'm pleased to say I'm cancer free and am coming up to the end of my last chemo.  I am, however, on Zolidex (goserin) indefinitely and exemestane for 3 years followed by Tamoxifen for 7 years. I'm 38 years old, and have no children.  Before my diagnosis, however, I was hoping to have a family one day.  I feel like cancer has robbed me of this opportunity.  I'm in a loving relationship and my partner is very supportive, but I'm struggling to deal with the fact that I will probably never be able to have children of my own.  I feel very isolated in my grief, and am struggling to come to terms with it.  The only childless women I know are childless by choice, and it feels like everyone else around me is busy having families of their own. 

I'm looking for support, hopefully to connect with other women in a similar situation.

I've had a look online, and there doesn't seem to be any support groups to join.

I hope to hear from someone soon.

Thank you.

    

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    Hi Tsarina, 

    Congratulations on nearly completing your chemo - you must be pleased coming to the end. 

    You may find it helpful to join the Facebook group 'Younger Breast Cancer Support Group -UK.' This is a group for those diagnosed under the age of 45, and many of the women have experienced the issue of treatment/ potential infertility, and many have also gone on to have successful pregnancies following treatment. The online space is so useful, and it's a very supportive group for all issues relating to being diagnosed at a young age. 

    The 'Breast Cancer Now Younger Women Together' in person and online events are also held throughout the year across the UK which I'd recommend to meet others going through the same challenges. They have break out rooms where you have a supportive space to discuss these issues, and the upcoming programme has a Fertility breakout space which sounds like something you'd benefit from. You can find more info here: https://breastcancernow.org/support-for-you/younger-women-together/younger-women-together-in-person/#:~:text=Register%20your%20interest-,View%20the%20programmes,-View%20the%201 

    All the best. 

  • Offline in reply to Trainee

    Apologies, after re-reading your post I can see that I missed the fact you said you're on longer term treatment - I didn't mean to cause any offence by stating others have gone on to have successful pregnancies, and I can't edit my original reply to remove this. However, many women have also gone on to have families through other options, or have also been in the same situation as you with longer term medication, therefore I hope that you can find others to talk to about this. Wishing you continued good health. 

  • Offline in reply to Trainee

    Hi, 

    Thank you, this is all very useful. I appreciate your help. 

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