Hodgkins Lymphoma

Hi,

First off, sorry you are going through this, I know it's tough. Our stories are pretty close, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma when I was 20 and was set to have 8 cycles of ABVD and then a month of radiation, but this was 20 years ago and in America. I, too, was asked if I wanted to do egg freezing, I hadn't really ever thought about having kids, but also didn't like the idea of having the option taken away. It had taken a while for me to get my diagnosis and my PET scan was showing signs that the cancer was spreading into my lower abdomen, so I thought I didn't want to risk waiting, and the doctors felt the same, especially because you aren't guaranteed to become infertile from the treatment. So I didn't freeze eggs. Fast forward and at 26 I was told that we could start trying to get pregnant (advice then was to wait a minimum of five years from the end of treatment before conceiving), and for a year I nothing happened, so I had some tests done, and turns out I had PCOS and I was giving a medication and got pregnant my first cycle after taking the medication. My son is now 14. Obviously I might feel different if I hadn't been able to conceive, but I think the health of yourself should take precedent over a future what if. You already have enough on your plate. Going through cancer and being a survivor you really do learn to live for the now. Be in the now, do what you have to do for you. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. 

Hi acey and a warm welcome to this corner of the Community although I am always sorry to see folks joining us.

I am Mike and I help out around our various Lymphoma groups. I don’t have Hodgkin's Lymphoma (I have lived with and been treated for a rare Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma for over 24 years) and obviously I have not been in the same position as yourself but I have talked with many who have.

First, we do have a dedicated Hodgkin lymphoma support group where we have had folks just like yourself post over the years about the same subject..... and as you see brittania has also highlighted her story. There have been many who were not able to go through the egg freezing process have went on to have family and a few actually went through Stem Cell Transplant as well.

Your clinical team will know well 'if' it's safe to wait from the egg freezing to go ahead without affecting your treatment effectiveness.

If you are in the UK you may want to check out the Lymphoma Action website. Lymphoma Action is the only UK Lymphoma Specific Charity who have lots of good reliable information, videos..... basically all things Lymphoma....... pre, during and post treatment.

They run regular Support Platforms for patients with a group specifically for your age range....... I highly recommend these groups as there is nothing better than talking with other who have walked the journey.

They also have a great Lymphoma Action Buddy Service where people can be linked up with someone who has walked the same treatment journey.

They also have a Lymphoma helpline on 0808 808 5555 where you can talk with someone and get support - open every week day from 10 till 3.

Always around to help more or just to chat

Hi brittania thanks a bunch for sharing your experience! I’m glad it all worked out for you - this definitely makes me feel reassured! I do feel that at present, I want to spend more time on my university life and studies, whilst also knowing that at some point I would love to have a family when settled. I guess I will just have to cross those bridges when I come to them and hope for the best! 

Hello Thehighlander thanks so much for this! I’m genuinely glad to have found this community and thankful for the support. I will be sure to look up the additional links and resources!