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Fertility treatment

Former Member
Former Member
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Hi there, 

I am 38 and have been diagnosed with stage 1 ER+ breast cancer 15mm grade 2 with possibly 3 more lumps all 10mm or under in right breast. 

I am 38 and would like children at some point. The fertility team would like to extract eggs. I realise this increases the oestrogen in my body. Is there a risk the cancer could get bigger or spread to my lymph nodes? (Currently free) Does Letrozole block the oestrogen during fertility?

I’d be really grateful for any advice as I need to move quickly.

Lisa

  • Hello Lisa,

    Thanks for getting in touch with us and for your questions about your future fertility.

    As you mention the injections used prior to egg extraction do increase the levels of oestrogen in the body. It’s difficult for us to say if this may cause your cancer to get bigger or spread to the lymph nodes. They can extract your eggs without using the hormone, but this does decrease the amount of eggs they can extract.

    Letrozole does reduce the amount of oestrogen in the body. It helps to block the enzyme that produces oestrogen in the body. I am presuming you are asking in relation to your stimulation options.

    Have you talked to your specialists about the risks? I appreciate that you want to move quickly but I would encourage you to talk with your specialists. They can help you to explore the best option for you.

    I hope this helps.

    Best wishes,

    Linda J. (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Our ref: KG

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