Met with the Oncologist yesterday. She would like to start me on FEC chemo. My 'cycle' will be 3 hours every 3 weeks, 6 cycles in total. Then possibly Radiotherapy after the chemo (she hasn't had the discussions yet so is not sure whether I'll need it), but definitely Herceptin via IV for a year. Then after all of that, I need to go on the hormone blockers for 5 years. (I am positive for all three of ER, PR and HER2). She would use a Portacath if I choose not to have everything through the vein.
There is a consideration however. A big decision. I am only 36. My boyfriend and I have been together for 8 months. It's been a bit of a whirlwind relationship and we always talk about our future together. I already have two children from my previous marriage, but he does not. He has always wanted his own child. It's not something I particularly yearn for again, but certainly something I would consider if we end up getting married. The odds for someone of my age going through what I am about to go through, leave me with a 60% chance of remaining fertile. Not horrendous odds. (Nil percent apparently had I been 40). The treatment can cause a couple of things. Either, I go into early menopause, or something happens which makes me infertile but I don't go into early menopause (I don't know, may be my eggs go bad or I stop ovulating or something.... not sure).
I need to make a decision therefore as to whether I have eggs harvested in case I get into the 40% chance of becoming infertile. The eggs would need to be fertilised and frozen. Then, at such time as my boyfriend and I decide (at least 2 years after diagnosis), be implanted and I go through IVF to get pregnant. If my boyfriend and I don't make it as a couple, the eggs could be destroyed.
The harvesting procedure itself is 'another procedure'. My boyfriend is being very good. He has said the final decision really lies with me. He is not putting me under any pressure at all. In fact, he worries about me delaying my chemo (although the Oncologist is not worried at all). It would mean starting the chemo in 4-6 weeks time, as opposed to 2 weeks time. I said I would let my Oncologist which way I wanted to go, on Monday.
This is a big responsibility. If I do this, it could create pressure on my relationship in the future. If I don't, I may regret it in the future. I have spoken with my family who all say I should definitely do it. In my own mind, I'm afraid of more needles and things but don't necessarily feel that's a good enough reason not to do it.
Has anyone else here had to make this decision, or been through IVF? Even if you haven't, please let me know what your thoughts are. I really need some guidance here.
Thank you xxxx
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