After being diagnosed with breast cancer I was given the opportunity to have IVF to freeze my eggs, the process did not work with the time I was given. The hospital have asked if I wanted to try it again and postpone chemotherapy for another month. I do not know what to do. What would other people do?
Is it possible to fall pregnant after chemotherapy for breast cancer? Or do most people reach menopause and become infertile? I'm 38 and any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hi HSB
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis at such a young age.
I guess when you say the hospital have asked if you want to try again, it's a different team from the oncology department. I would think about asking your oncology team the following questions:
1. What grade is the cancer? (grade 1 - slow growing, grade 3 - fast growing)
2. Has your cancer spread to your lymph nodes?
3. Is a month's delay to the chemo likely to make any difference to it potentially spreading further?
4. Will the chemotherapy definitely affect your fertility? Again, I'm guessing that the type of chemo. you are going to have is the type that will, or they wouldn't be offering the IVF.
Question 3 being the most important naturally. If they feel that if you were going to have maybe a tiny growth to the cancer in a month and it won't make a huge difference to your treatment plan and if you feel that you 100% want the opportunity to have biological children, then this might provide you with the answer you need.
If on the other hand, there's a risk to you, think about the fact that it's all very well having a child, but no good for that child if their mother doesn't survive. There are other options for having children, as I'm sure you know if they feel that there is a risk to you and your well being by delaying a month.
Kindest Wishes, Lesley
