Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Wed, 11/03/2009 - 14:45
hi, i would like to catch up anyone who is trying to, or has had a baby after their cancer treatment
Mon, 16/03/2009 - 08:39
#2
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Butterfly,
so great to see you here. I agree that the new website is MUCH better than the last one.... and its SO COOL that YACs have a place to call their own here too!!
I bet you are so glad to have had your 2 boys already. I totaly agree with you that infertility is such a devastating side effect of YAC cancer treatment, because we are at the age when we are wanting to start or already may have a young family, and so cancer affects us in many long lasting ways.
How have you cope with having cancer and 2 young boys. what have been the challenges and rewards of being a young mum?
I too get really angry when the docs take away hope for us YAC patients, and tell us that 'you will be infertile from your treatment'. These words are from my own actual case staudy, where I was told this. BUT 7 years down the track from 33 weeks of chemo that did send my body into menapause at age 29 years, I can tell you now that I am 19 weeks pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess i started this forum discussion to share the fab news and offer some hope and inspiration to any YAC out their who is going through treatment, that there is still light at the end of the tunnel, and that you should challenge any doctor that tells you you will be infertile from you treatment. Ask your docs for all information and choices regarding your fertilty before you start any treatment, even idf you are 19 years old... because even if you do not think you want to start a family at age 19, you certainly should have the choice to do so later in life. IT IS YOUR RIGHT!
Nikki
Mon, 03/08/2009 - 18:42
#3
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
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Mon, 16/03/2009 - 09:28
#4
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Nikki,
That is such fabulous news CONGRATULATIONS!! I had no idea, Im so happy for you.
I guess you have proven that pregnancy after chemo is possible. I think chemo can cause temporary menopause, maybe thats what happened with you.
It's so nice to hear some nice news & first thing in the morning too!!
Did the Doc's say the chances were not good for pregnancy? If they did then, how wrong were they!!
I agree the site is so much better and really good to have a whole section dedicated to us YAC's.
Butterfly
Tue, 17/03/2009 - 09:21
#5
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi again Butterfly,
yes it is such great news... thanks I have my 20 week scan coming up next friday, and to tell you the truth, i have been waiting for this scan before I go fully public with my pregnancy. I just want to make sure everything is OK. If it is, I hope to cover my preganacy journey through the Young Adult blog I will run here on this website.
My doc told me straight out that I would be infertile from my treatment, as I did not have time to harvest eggs ect with my chemo starting 24 hours after i was Dx. But the docs never talked to me about fertility options at that stage... they did not explain anything other that "you will be infertile". A year and a half later, I was having 30 hot flushes a day and was on HRT. My cycle started again after I got some herbs from my TCM doc. My cycle and hormones where all over the place for the next few years and the western medicine docs could not tell if i was releasing an egg or not.
When the time came in my life last year, my partner and I went on a pre-conception health plan for 6 months before we tried to conceive. We read the book "The natural way to better babies" - by Francesca Naish & Janette Roberts, and followed the many suggestions within this book. Amazingly, we conceived in the first month of trying!!
n
Mon, 16/03/2009 - 16:18
#6
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Nikki,
I found it really hard to have the energy to take care of the kids during my treatment especially on my chemo days, but it did have a plus side I guess because I had less time to mope around the place feeling sorry for myself. It was probably the fatigue that was the worst thing, especially because my youngest was only 1 year old. I really struggled with the waking during the night and up early. Really all I wanted to do was sleep, with my partner at work my mother and Aunty were a great help & I think thats really important to be able to accept the help when it's offered.
The kids also gave me that extra push I needed to recover and get well again. Im still exhausted all the time now, but I guess most Mums are anyway.
There is help out there for woman who need it. I know there are mums with cancer who dont have a partner & my guess is they would really need some extra help.
Sleep is probably the most important thing anyone can do when having treatments & if thats hard to come by then you can wind up exhausted!
Butterfly
Tue, 17/03/2009 - 09:31
#7
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
I can not begin to imagine what it must be like to have such young kids and do cancer at the same time. thank god for the family support you had! Like you said, it must be absolutely tiring for and single mums or dads having to do it alone.
I think you also hit the nail on the head, in that your kids gave you the "extra push" to keep going. That was one thing I used to think about when I thought I was infertile.... that i would never experience that connection and love that only a mother and father get from becoming parents.
Did your kids pick up on your cancer? did they get upset or scared? if so how did you handle these situations?
How did you handle the fatigue? was it hard to ask for help at the beginning so you could rest. Do you still ask for help when you feel tired now? Do you tell other parents what you have been through, so they understand why you feel so tired, as I am sure you are having to deal with more fatigue than the average young parent after all that you have been through both physically and mentally.
n
Mon, 16/03/2009 - 22:52
#8
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
CONGRATULATIONS Nikki!That's fantastic news.
Thank you too Butterfly for the info on this post - you are truly amazing. I am so interested to hear of younger womens journeys.
I was diagnosed at 34 in 2007 (married with no children). I'm coming up to 1 year out of treatment. I'm on tamoxifen and taking Microlut (apparently I'm not supposed to have monthly bleeds). Am yet to have transvag ultrasound and CA125 test so I'm uncertain about my fertility status. I am anxious about this because its a reminder of the diagnosis. I am at a point now where I just want to move on. In a year or so, I plan to stop all pills (being min 2years of tamox) as I will be 37 next year. The Drs told me there was an 80% I could still conceive naturally after treatment and about 70% chance of conception after one cycle of IVF (so I chose the natural option and if I couldn't, then I'd have to accept it at that time).
My husband has never been one to push for children, I've had my clucky moments and he said he'd support my decision either way. People who haven't had cancer already have so much to think about in terms of pregnancy and raising a family, so for us survivors/remission - its an obstacle/burden (both physically and mentally) which I'm discovering very few understand.
Tue, 17/03/2009 - 10:26
#9
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi misti,
thanks for your reply to my topic and your congrats. I certainly do feel really fortunate to have things work out for me the way they have and thats why i want to share this with others like you who are at the stage in life where having children is a key time.
It is good to see that you have some postive fertilty stats for your future. I agree with you that raising a family is even more daunting for those who have gone through cancer, and it is hard to find the right health professionals to talk to about this.
I see that you are 1 year post Dx and still on Tamoxifen etc... do you currently have a fertility specialist on your treating team? do you have any counsellors that you or your husband can to talk to about your fertility issues?
Having to front to any follow-up scans, tests and appointments is an unfortunate and continual reminder of having had cancer. These apponitments for me got easier as time went on, as I got more informed and gained confidence to ask questions. I would always take either my mum or relative with me to all these appointments. we would have a list of questions that we would not leave until they were answered.
hope this helps n
Tue, 17/03/2009 - 16:57
#10
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Misty & Nikki,
Dont get me wrong I know how lucky I am that I had my 2 sons before I was dx with cancer, but we had planned on another & to have that option taken away has been a massive thing for me to have to deal with. Not so much for my husband, he has 2 boys so does not understand, but anyway Im also really thankful to be alive for the 2 I have got and to be around to watch them grow up.
I think Nikki's story is the perfect example of how the doctors can get it wrong when it comes to infertility after cancer. Sometimes they just dont know. And Misty I would say those odds you have been given for a pregnancy are pretty good odds' if you decide that's what you want.
It is really important to look after yourself & thats one thing I find extremely hard at times, because I just dont have the time. Extra sleep or actually even a little I would probably do just about anything for (I need to learn to get to bed earlier).
Take care
Tue, 17/03/2009 - 17:09
#11
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Butterfly,
it is interesting to know that you would still love the choice to have more children even after already having 2 beautiful boys. I remember wanting a sister, as i had 3 brothers.
I am sure I will better understand all this when i become a mum. I would not have realsied this unless you said so. So thanks for sharing this with us.
Hope you get to bed early tonight or a sleep in tomorrow
Sleep is good mmmmmmmm
Tue, 17/03/2009 - 20:52
#12
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
When I had my first child I was only 21, so we waited until I was 30 to have our second was hoping for a 3rd & was actually trying when told I had cancer.
I know there are many young women & men who can not have their own child & adoption is really not an easy option in our country, which is sad really as there are so many kids who are orphans around the world who would love a home and many Aussies who have had cancer would love to give them a home. Doesnt seem right to me.
Im so happy for you Nikki, when do you have your scan? Do you want to find out what youre having?
I see a specialist next week for some lumps. My family history for bc is not good with my Mum having had bc twice and my Aunty also so I have to stay on top of these things. I know they will just be cysts (like all the others have been) but still a tad stressful.
Do you have any side effects from the tamoxafin Misti? I bet you will be relieved when you can stop taking that.
Anyway I will try for that early night tonight. Hopefully we will have others join in here with us soon.
Wed, 01/04/2009 - 18:17
#13
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Ladies,
Thanks for being so open and frank. I think this is the perfect forum to do this - Thanks Nikki!
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I went to see a gyno' to discuss IVF treatments. After sitting with him for an hour and listening to 60% this, 80% this, 90% possibility, i felt for me at that time it was a stress that i didn't want to add to the quickly growing list of stresses. The thought of being injected with hormones, harvesting the eggs ect ect was too much. The one figure that stood out was that I had an 80% chance to concieve naturally. I'm more than happy with that! For now my dog is my child and he loves the cuddles and kisses he gets on a regular basis.
I told a couple of my friends about my decision to not go ahead with IVF and they could'nt understand why. I explained to them it's like setting goals; you can't do them all at once and you have to look at the importance and impact of each in the short term for the long term. And to seriously ask yourself if you can fully commit to what is required for you to meet your goal. They eventually understood which was great.
For now I look forward to buying a new vest for my dogchild.
Have a great night everyone and thank you ( :
Thu, 21/05/2009 - 10:05
#14
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hey MissReena,
thanks for openly sharing your situation. I too love my dog, she is my best friend and was even smuggled into the RMH 5th floor a few times to see me throughout my treatment
Whe i was dx and the dr's told me i would not have children, i too thought my doogy cuddles would be fine and perhaps one day i could adopt. i am so lucky to be in my current situation - thats for sure.
sounds like you are taking a very balance approach to your fertility issues and I find that some friends at the best of times struggle to understand my cancer related issues. you know whats right and living life with less stress is a good way to go - well done!
keep us posted on your future fertility movements and best of luck - nikki
Sat, 20/06/2009 - 08:11
#15
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
hi again butterfly,
On this site, there seems to be a growing number of YACs who were actually pregnant or trying to get pregnant when they were diagnosed with cancer.
One of the major issues for YACs is fertility, and the life stage of wanting to start, or having and adding to a family. while it is sad to hear all these stories, it is great that we can have a place like this to meet other YACs going through similar situations.
I met a YAC early after i finished my cancer treatment, who has an amazing story.... She was dx with a very rare form of cancer that was caused from the hormones in her body when she became pregnant trying for her first child. she was definitely at that stage of being married and wanting nothing more than to start her family. She actually collapsed on the floor during her first oncology appointment and woke up in hospital after having a hysterectomy. all of a sudden her chances of having a family were stripped from her permanently. This was about seven years ago, and you would think that a story like this could not have a good outcome.... but it does! After she recovered from her cancer, she went on a campaign to find a surrogate mother.she was on the national news, giving her story and expressing her view that such services were not available in Australia. Both her and her husband moved to the US and seeked a surrogate, of which they found one and now have a beautiful child of their own.
The more and more post i read on this topic here, i can see some equally amazing stories of hope appearing. these stories help inspire those of us who are experiencing things like menopause, are single and want children, or would like to have another child to add to the family.
In answering your q's.... i am having a boy - we decided to find out the sex so we could connect earlier with our bubba, and also...i think i have had enough surprises in life!had another scan last week and it shows the little man is growing right on track
How did your scans go in March?
Best,
Nikki
Thu, 21/05/2009 - 00:16
#16
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
So nice to hear everyone's stories about pregnancy and kids. . . I have 2 toddlers and hope to have a 3rd child one day, but my cancer diagnosis last year and subsequent treatment will just mean that gets delayed a bit I hope! My little men have been such an inspiration to keep me up and positive through all this, I love them so much but wow it sure is exhausting to combine cancer treatment and surgery recovery with the nights of broken sleep and days full of kids' activities! Despite that, I'd really love to add a 3rd pair of legs to chase around the house in the near future (o:
Congrats on your pregnancy Nikki, looking forward to hear how things progress (hope your first trimester has been smooth sailing!) and look forward to hearing everyone else's stories of bubs and pregnancy too!
Thu, 21/05/2009 - 10:15
#17
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Slacker,
thanks for your post, it is really nice to hear from another mum. Its funny, but all the young mums and dads who are affected by cancer and who i speak to say a similar thing... that their kids are what keeps them going, but hec its full on tiring stuff being a parent and doing cancer. so well done chick!
My pregnancy is going very well thanks. I will do up a post in my blog on this site this week and try and add a pic. My first trimester was hard with working full time, having bad morning sickness and fatigue. I have just entered my 3rd trimester now and feeling fab. i have 2 days/week where i feel tired, but no sickness and lots of kicking and movement from the little man (yes its a boy!).
how old are your kids now?
nikki
Fri, 19/06/2009 - 13:14
#18
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
I hear you! my son was 2 months old when I was diagnosed and man was i tired all the time, but everyday seeing him smile, giggle and have a great time just made it all so worth while. Post treatment we have had no2 and are also hoping no3 comes along without to much of a hiccup
Sat, 20/06/2009 - 08:15
#19
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Amanda,
Did you have to start treatment while you were pregnant with your first son?
I can't wait to see my boy grow up experience those feelings of being connected with your child through selfless love.
were your energy levels even lower through your second pregnancy because of your cancer treatment?
Nikki
Sun, 21/06/2009 - 23:22
#20
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hey Nikki,
Actually they could not biopsy until after the birth of my first son because the hormone flush would not have been good for him and also the growth would suddenly start growing rapdily. I had to wait til he was 2 months old to have the biopsy; 2 weeks later surgery and by the time he was 9 months old I had RAI. I had to spend 1 month away from him which completely tore me apart, actually I had anxiety attacks daily until I got to go home.
Every day I spent with my son and every day I spend now I am in awe, that's not to say I don't get annoyed with his tantrums...LOL! which are especially bad since his brother came along but I can't blame him. My husband and I are very devoted parents and I completely accept my role as mummy, I am not interested in having a career right now I enjoy them and be home with them and just getting to watch them grow and explore.
Actually my 2nd pregnancy was very hard my thryoid levels were out, I ended up with irritable uterus which means i had contractions from 26 weeks and my energy was low but I did have a 3yo to run around after My focus now is on getting fit and healthy so I can hopefully try for no3, but also to try to feel the way I felt before RAI treatment...I live in hope!
Thu, 21/05/2009 - 12:58
#21
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Ooh, an active little boy...congrats!
My boys are 2 and 3.5 now...and they're still as active as they were when they were squirming around in the womb. So glad I've been feeling more and more physically well in the past few months so I can play all the rough n tumble games little boys like to play!
Hope you continue to feel great through these last few months, I remember really enjoying being pregnant even when I was 20kg heavier than when I started (yup, my babies liked me to eat a lot of ice cream!)
e
Wed, 27/05/2009 - 08:50
#22
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
hi again, wow your boys must keep you fit and busy at that age, well done chick! Mt food choice ATM is home made biscuits and a glass of milk.... its funny i started to put on a few kilos early on in the pregnancy but I have now lost a few. all up i think i have put on 3 kg. i was really worried about this, but the obstetrician said it is normal to have this happen too and my boy is growing well within normal range (just had a scan at 28 weeks)
Thu, 18/06/2009 - 17:45
#23
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi,
Is there anyone who's considered or has gotten pregnant despite having been given a cancer diagnosis with an uncertain prognosis/future?
Specifically thinking a malignant Brain tumour, thinking about potential birth defect issues (I'm on an antiseizure medication), the possibility of needing cancer treatments during pregnancy should a recurrence decide to occur then, and also what people think about the whole idea of potentially having a child and then potentially not necessarily being around to be its mother for long enough (whatever "long enough" is)?
Just wanting to explore your collective wisdom and thoughts.
By way of background I just got given the diagnosis about 3 mths ago, have finished immediate treatments, was told the median expectation according to standard literature could be recurrence in about 3-5 years (though of course I am hoping for the best...dear god can I have a cure please?). I am 32 and currently don't have any kids, but have a wonderful hubby of 1.5 years.
What does one do when it's all so hazy?
Thanks in advance,
Yvette
Fri, 19/06/2009 - 10:54
#24
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Yvette just wanted to say they always talk in 3-5 year survival rates and re-occurrences, the first time I herd that I had anxiety for a week just thinking about it. One thing cancer has taught me is to expect a miracle even if you don't get one at least you live life to the full.
My husband and I started IVF before his chemo finished, I know alot of people have different opinions about how we should or should not have gone about it but we did it. His tumor markers were back down to normal range though so we were pretty sure things were going to be OK and if not together we were able to realise our dreams in having another baby.
You can't live your life worrying about what if, I would wait till treatment is underway and you start to get an idea of tumor markers... how you are responding ect...then find out about the possibilities of having babies. Can you go off meds, what happens if you need treatment in pregnancy...you can out plans into place.
Best of luck to you I am 32yo also and I think we are so young we deserve some normality
Sat, 20/06/2009 - 08:34
#25
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Yvette,
thanks for being so brave and expressing your thoughts and fears surrounding this topic. I think you are doing great, having been dignosed only 3 months ago.
The many fears you speak of when thinking about having a child after/with cancer are right on track. I have had these exact thoughts many times throughout my pregnancy now and i am seven years post dx. I am lucky i have a supportive and understanding partner who i can talk to about this. Just before my partner and I planned to conceive, I had a lump in my breast and had to have a mammogram. I though i had BC for sure and I had all these feeling of guilt that I would no longer be able to provide a child for my partner and I. thank god it was benign and we could continue down the path of trying to become pregnant. over the past 2 years I also was seeing a female GP who always asked me how i was coping emotionally with all this. So having someone to talk to helped me so much.
SO the fact that you have a wonderful hubby is going to help you get through the next few years of deciding when the right time is to start a family, that is if thats what you both decide.
You know....i came out of my treatment with the dr's telling me there was an 80% chance that I would relapse and there was nothing they could do but offer palliative care. Coming to terms with this was difficult. it took me a good couple of years, and then the same feeling arose again when I became pregnant. all i can say is that iver time these thoughts dissipate and are not so intense, even though they appear from time to time, they are also less frequent. When I did have such thoughts, I would try and tap into the mind frame of "i am young and live is about living - not dying.... so get up and start living!" for some reason this helped me to move forward.
I too hope that you will find a little coping mechanism like this to help you through the mind games that cancer brings your way. It can also help to speak to a health professional about your situation. is this option available for you? The CC helpline 13 11 20 can also help you, because they can put you in touch with staff that are trained oncology nurses / counsellors who could offer advice on your specific situation.
Anyway, enough of my babble - i hope i have helped you a little?
Best, Nikki
Thu, 18/06/2009 - 18:25
#26
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Pregnancy doesn't have to wait after breast cancer (Dec 2006) - This one includes research done in WA over a 10 year period.
http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/fert_preg_adopt/new_research/20061208.jsp
Pregnant Women with Breast Cancer Do No Worse than Others(Feb 2009 - a 30 yr study)
http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/fert_preg_adopt/new_research/20090209.jsp
Fri, 19/06/2009 - 10:46
#27
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hey Nikki I am pretty sure I have spoken to you about this in the other forums and its such a great topic. So many people take their fertility for granted.
I found out I was pregnant after being told my thyroid was playing up and I may not be able to have children, unfortunately it was bought to my attention in my pregnancy I might have thyroid cancer but would have to wait to have my baby to have biopsy. I was diagnosed when my first son was 2 months old, fortunately I had a reasonably low dose of RAI and was told after 1 year I should be able to have another baby.
I was so excited when I got to my 1 year mark my husband and I tried for almost 6 months...then he was diagnosed with testicular cancer...bit of a setback. So before chemo we stored the goods at the IVF clinic and decided as he was finishing chemo to start IVF.
We have now have had our 2nd son and he 14 weeks old today. I feel very blessed both my boys are picture perfect in every way, I know this is greedy I am still hoping for 1 more...we'll see how we go I guess.
Congrats again on your miracle pregnancy and I am sure your baby/or babies will be picture perfect also
Sat, 20/06/2009 - 08:49
#28
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi again Amanda,
OMG! your story and situation are totally mind blowing. I have not come across 2 YACs who are married and have gone through cancer together. my hat goes off to you both for finding your own ways to move forward. FANTASTIC STUFF!!
When you look at your children each day, what feelings do you get? I can only imagine that must think daily that your life, your childrens and your husbands are all part of one BIG miracle!
What was going through the IVF experience like for you both? During your treatment, did you both have good doctors to talk to about your fertility options or did you have to push this issue with the health professionals? Do any of your doctors provide you with the opportunity to speak to you about the emotional impact of your cancer and having a young family?
Sorry for all the questions, its just that you being only 14 weeks after the birth of your second child, i feel that we might have some similar thoughts to share after my bubba boy is born.
Nikki
Sun, 21/06/2009 - 23:32
#29
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hey Nikki,
Its only now Steve and I are starting to think about the magnitude of what we have been through, really we have lived life in a sense of bracing ourselves for the next thing. Its not easy but we are really keen on moving forward in a positive way and making our situation work for us, I am actually wanting to write a book 9when I get enough courage) to hopefully inspire and help others like us
Each day together is a blessing, each day with our kids is amazing and we really do live in the moment. Kids are great for showing you how simple it all really is and how amazing this world is when you really explore.
IVF was hard going but worth every second! we had great support from our GP, Steves oncologist and our fertility specialist. They were all desperate to help us move forward and achieve our goals, they were truly amazing.
No one speaks about cancer and the impact ect...which is why Steve and I are pretty screwed up...LOL! its true. There should be more around for parents with cancer and dealing with the after marth but there is nothing its all trial and error.
you are always welcome to contact me to chat online or by phone to talk about any of the issue that come up and they will. Its a very emotional time having a baby not to mention the hormone rush we get from having our bubbas, support is pretty important.
Can;t wait to hear about your little mans safe arrival
Sat, 20/06/2009 - 11:46
#30
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Hi Nikki and Amanda,
You ladies are an inspiration and sign of hope. You are the first real young ladies I have met facing issues with fertility. All I have had is the research on the internet, heresay or what the Drs say about facts/statistics.
I was diagnosed at a time when my husband and I were enjoying our holidays and hoping to conceive when I discovered the lump. Sometimes you wonder whether someone up there is trying to tell you something or is it just bad luck? Then I realised you create your own luck and happiness so you can't read into things too much.
Research shows that younger women (who have had cancer) have higher pregnancy rates than those without. Probably because we have had this confrontation about life and death!
At the moment I'm coming up to 1 year on tamoxifen. My oncologist and I have agreed that I will come off next July (min 2 years), as I will be 37 then because 5 years is too long. So we can conceive naturally (fingers crossed). I have recently discovered that I have ovarian cysts and am meeting my gyno (high risk) for the first time early July.
Something I worry about (besides recurrence) is whether any breast milk will come out from the treated breast? Some of the breast ducts were removed and others remain.
Research (breast cancer institute Young women fact sheet) shows that some women have had success with the treated breast and others don't. Anyways, its fingers crossed for the next year or so.
Nikki I really do want to hear more about your little boy on the way! I'm so excited for you Its extra special considering everything you have gone through. When are you due to have your little boy?
Hugs
Jules (prev. Misti)
Sun, 21/06/2009 - 23:08
#31
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
Jules your right about creating your own luck for us girls it is much more complicated and involved for us to get pregnant but we are also not afraid to hunt down ways of making it happen. I no doubt you will have every success with such a great spirit!
I have definitely herd of woman feeding after breast cancer but as you say depends on how many milk ducts have been taken ect. You can very successfully BF form 1 breast if necessary, when you get pregnant my advice is to enlist the help of breast feeding Australia and possibly a lactaction consultant to increase your chances of breast feeding. Alot of woman who have had RAI for thyroid like me can't breastfeed, its normally because we produce to much milk and its to hard. I had a lactation consultant and lots of help and am persevering, my little guy is now 14 weeks so I am doing well
As for cyst on the ovaries again there are ways of getting around this and enlisting specialist is a great way to ensure success.
My husband and I are now hoping that his fertility will come back (post testicular cancer) so we can try naturally for no3.
Thu, 30/09/2010 - 09:55
#32
Re: Pregnancy for Young Adults who had cancer treatment
I became pregnant and found out I had cancer while pregnant, went through surgery and treatment pregnant as well... I would love to get pregnant again, I have not heard from my Dr if I can still but he talked about I could have children again if I wanted so we have been trying and will keep on trying for a year or so until we look into fertility but I had my cycle during my cancer treatment after my son was born so I'm hoping and praying I can still..
Hi Nikki, How are you? Just logged in here for the first time since the changes & it's much better, really great. You know I can not have any more children after my treatments but Im lucky enough to have my 2 boys and I'm so thankful for them. I dont think its something that is really addressed well enough by doctors when treating a younger person with cancer but obviously it concerns us. Infertility is the most devestating thing to have to deal with when all the treatments are done. I hope you get some more replies. Chat to you soon;