f/u to giuliana's news - a couple of ?'s

theworms

do you worry about long-term med affects and potential of cancer?

and 

have you ever been told to get a mammogram prior to cycling?

 

thanks

Ginger71

Yes, I worry. One of the side effects of the med I take for Crohn's is cancer also.

I have never been told to get a mammogram by an RE,only my GYN.

steveandkim2

1.  I absolutely worry about the effects of the drugs.  Honestly, her announcement today really freaked me out.  I'm 36 too, took a heck of a lot more drugs than what she took, and have no family history.  If it could happen to her, then it could happen to me.  Granted, I know that anyone can get cancer at any time, but I'm sure injecting large volumes of hormone into my body isn't helpful.  I plan to be very vigilant about this with my GYN.

2.  I've never been told anything about a mammogram when cycling.  In fact, I've never even had to prove my paps were up to date.  I've cycled at 3 clinics, 2 of which are on the larger side (Penn, RMA) and have never had the topic come up and I never thought to ask.  It makes perfect sense (and I think its ironic b/c you have to prove you don't have an STD or HIV/AIDs before cycling), but nothing that could impact my own health.

jessican08

I worry about cancer a lot. It runs on both sides of my family and one of my Aunts passed away in her late 30s of colon cancer.

My dad also had several polyps removed during a colonoscopy and he's also been treated for prostate cancer (he's cancer free right now!). Both my mother and father have also had pre-cancerous spots removed on their noses.  

I've never been told to get a mammorgram but I do make sure to get a breast exam every year.

BeeBee08

I worry about the effects of the drugs on myself and my potential children. 

A mammorgram has never been mentioned to me by my RE or PCP.  I'm wondering now if it's something I should bring up with them.  I know that I don't fit into their age group for recommending them, but I don't think the average person is filled with synthetic hormones every month either.

theworms

theworms:

do you worry about long-term med affects and potential of cancer?  the thought crosses my mind every once and while.  i try to not worry about stuff unless i have a reason to worry.  there are also increased risks of certain types of cancer for women who never have children.  it seems like a lose/lose situation.

and 

have you ever been told to get a mammogram prior to cycling?  never.  i've been to 2 very reputable clinics and have never been told to get one.  is it an age thing?

 

thanks

ginger67

I worried about it, especially since I was on such a high dose of meds. My RE did require mammogram and pap results before I started with him. Same RE as G's first so I wonder why she didn't? Maybe they require it over 40? I just had a mammogram and my ob told me new research says every other year is fine, I told him I still want every year. Honestly, even if I get it some day I know I will catch it early and will never regret what I went through. My close friend just had a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation at 35. If it were a male disease they would most likely say start at 20. Over 40 and every other year is BS.

DeputiesWife

1. yes i do worry about the side effects of all the meds.

2. no i have not.  

Mrs.McIrish

Yes, I worry about it A LOT. I am BRCA1+ (breast cancer gene) so I worry more than the average IF patient. Guiliana just tested negative for the gene but that was my first thought--- early on-set BC--I wonder if she is BRCA+....  I have been getting mamm/breast MRI's every 6 months since I was 35 (when I found out about the gene).  I have asked 3 RE's about the connection between fertility drugs and cancer and have been told by all that there is no data connecting it.  I feel like there may be no data now but maybe in 10 years there will be (in a bad way) since so many more people are doing IVF than in earlier decades. I just told DH about Guiliana's diagnosis and of course he has been worrying about the risk the entire time for me. This really hits so close to home for me that I wonder if I should do any more cycles.  I am on max stims for both IVF's and this one is going on longer in terms of days of stimulation.

All my RE's forms asked if I had done a mamm and the date of it. These forms are filled out by all patients and not just older ones.

Edwina.McDunnough

As PP mentioned there is no proven connection, however there is a big warning on the estrogen patch information sheet.   My mom had BC and my paternal aunt died of it so it is something that is on my mind and I have questioned REs about the topic. I was told that excessive estrogen can possibly excelerate cancerous issues, but won't create them where they don't exist. And you would need a lot of it and for prolonged periods. 

I've been getting them since I was 35 and I need to have a current one for one of the DE programs. Regarding the change in the recommendations, my GYN said to stuff it and get them early and frequently.

(Edited for sense. Brain dead today.) 

km0426

I have wondered about it on and off but never really asked much about it.  I also have cervical/endometrial cancer on my mom's side (my aunt) and was told to be vigilent about it.  I believe my current RE requires women over 35 to have a mammogram. Both my last and current RE's have insisted on ensuring that PAP smears were up to date as well. 

amy1004

I have had so many family members have various types of cancer that I am just preparing for bad news.  Granted I hope fertility treatments don't expedite anything.  I have not been told to get a mamogram but my RE did a breast exam before cycling.

abvernon

Honestly, I never really thought about the long term affects and now it scares me.

I have not be told yet. However, I plan on get a mammogram next year some time as my mom was diagnosed w/ breast cancer at 46 so I have to get one 10 yrs younger than when she was first diagnosed.

hollymichael

I know that I haven't been around, but I had to check in today after I saw the news.

Yes, I do worry about the correlation between the use of fertility meds and breast cancer. I know that they say there isn't a link, but I still find it hard to believe.

I did not ever have to get a mammo prior to cycling at either clinic (both of which are very large--FCI & SG). Had I been over 40 at the time I cycled, then I know they would have both required me to get one.

I have always followed Guiliana's story closely, especially since we saw the same Dr. in Chicago. I was so shocked to see her news. I am so glad they caught it early.

Now that I am 40, I had my first screening mammo a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when they called me last week to say that they saw a "thickening" on my films and to come in for additional testing. I went this morning for a diagnostic mammo and an u/s. Thankfully, all is fine and what they saw is just a cyst. Phew.

illinigal

I've always wondered about cancer risk, but have never been overly worried about it.  My REs (2 of them) have never mentioned mammograms, but I do always have an annual checkup at the OBGYN where they check for lumps and bumps.  I will be 35 in a few months, but no family history of breast cancer.  I did have a good friend from college get BC in her late 20s though so that is scary.

mdluv21

do you worry about long-term med affects and potential of cancer?

Yes I do...my E2 hit 10k during my cycle I was thinking that can't be a good thing because I know if you have any history of BC in your family they don't like you to have lots of estrogen supplements.  The only person who I know who has BC in my family though is my great aunt.

and 

have you ever been told to get a mammogram prior to cycling?

No I have not but I know my RE requires one to have been done recently if you are 35+.

MoFree

I find it ironic that I would not buy dairy products from cows fed hormones, don't eat processed foods and consume organically grown products as much as possible yet will be injecting myself with large doses of hormones to have a child.. I think of the risks but am willing to accept them because that is or only option to have have our biological child. As far as having a mammogram, the current recommendations are to start screenings at age 40 unless there is a family history of BC. There is also a risk from exposure to the radiation, albeit a small one.

Temp590840000005378

Yes, I worry about it like crazy. 

No, but I haven't done IVF, however, I doubt they would suggest a mammogram at my RE's. 

Temp590840000005378

hollymichael:

Now that I am 40, I had my first screening mammo a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when they called me last week to say that they saw a "thickening" on my films and to come in for additional testing. I went this morning for a diagnostic mammo and an u/s. Thankfully, all is fine and what they saw is just a cyst. Phew.

Wow, that must have been scary, glad to hear everything checked out okay for you today!!

Temp590840000005378

MoFree:

I find it ironic that I would not buy dairy products from cows fed hormones, don't eat processed foods and consume organically grown products as much as possible yet will be injecting myself with large doses of hormones to have a child.. I think of the risks but am willing to accept them because that is or only option to have have our biological child. As far as having a mammogram, the current recommendations are to start screenings at age 40 unless there is a family history of BC. There is also a risk from exposure to the radiation, albeit a small one.

I always find this ironic too as I tend to stick with Organic when ever possible and stay away from most dairy, ugh!

Temp590840000005378

Mrs.McIrish:

Yes, I worry about it A LOT. I am BRCA1+ (breast cancer gene) so I worry more than the average IF patient. Guiliana just tested negative for the gene but that was my first thought--- early on-set BC--I wonder if she is BRCA+....  I have been getting mamm/breast MRI's every 6 months since I was 35 (when I found out about the gene).  I have asked 3 RE's about the connection between fertility drugs and cancer and have been told by all that there is no data connecting it.  I feel like there may be no data now but maybe in 10 years there will be (in a bad way) since so many more people are doing IVF than in earlier decades. I just told DH about Guiliana's diagnosis and of course he has been worrying about the risk the entire time for me. This really hits so close to home for me that I wonder if I should do any more cycles.  I am on max stims for both IVF's and this one is going on longer in terms of days of stimulation.

All my RE's forms asked if I had done a mamm and the date of it. These forms are filled out by all patients and not just older ones.

I just wanted to say I'm sad to hear you are positive for the gene, I bet that is so scary to think about.  When my Mom was diagnosed with cancer I was so worried I would have the gene, happy to say I didn't.  But, Hugs to you!!!

mtlaurel

MoFree:

I find it ironic that I would not buy dairy products from cows fed hormones, don't eat processed foods and consume organically grown products as much as possible yet will be injecting myself with large doses of hormones to have a child.. I think of the risks but am willing to accept them because that is or only option to have have our biological child. As far as having a mammogram, the current recommendations are to start screenings at age 40 unless there is a family history of BC. There is also a risk from exposure to the radiation, albeit a small one.

This, exactly! I worry about it in a lot of other aspects of my life, but not this! My father died of colon cancer, my aunt had BC turn to lung and brain cancer before she died, and my sister (half-sister technically) had a double-mastectomy for Stage III BC at age 37. 

My RE required a pap, but not a mammogram at my age.

theworms

bear:

hollymichael:

Now that I am 40, I had my first screening mammo a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when they called me last week to say that they saw a "thickening" on my films and to come in for additional testing. I went this morning for a diagnostic mammo and an u/s. Thankfully, all is fine and what they saw is just a cyst. Phew.

Wow, that must have been scary, glad to hear everything checked out okay for you today!!

So glad all is ok cutie!!

bubbas mama1

Yes I definitely worry about it!

I started getting yearly mammogram's when I was 36 yo due to a strong family history & everything has come back fine thus far. Just had one done 2 weeks ago actually! It definitely makes me nervous for the future with all these hormones I have been injecting into my body.

hollymichael

theworms:

bear:

hollymichael:

Now that I am 40, I had my first screening mammo a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when they called me last week to say that they saw a "thickening" on my films and to come in for additional testing. I went this morning for a diagnostic mammo and an u/s. Thankfully, all is fine and what they saw is just a cyst. Phew.

Wow, that must have been scary, glad to hear everything checked out okay for you today!!

So glad all is ok cutie!!

Thanks to you both! I am definitely breathing a big sigh of relief today!

lenebene

hollymichael:

theworms:

bear:

hollymichael:

Now that I am 40, I had my first screening mammo a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when they called me last week to say that they saw a "thickening" on my films and to come in for additional testing. I went this morning for a diagnostic mammo and an u/s. Thankfully, all is fine and what they saw is just a cyst. Phew.

Wow, that must have been scary, glad to hear everything checked out okay for you today!!

So glad all is ok cutie!!

Thanks to you both! I am definitely breathing a big sigh of relief today!

So glad that every was okay!!!!   

STL34

hollymichael:

I know that I haven't been around, but I had to check in today after I saw the news.

Yes, I do worry about the correlation between the use of fertility meds and breast cancer. I know that they say there isn't a link, but I still find it hard to believe.

I did not ever have to get a mammo prior to cycling at either clinic (both of which are very large--FCI & SG). Had I been over 40 at the time I cycled, then I know they would have both required me to get one.

I have always followed Guiliana's story closely, especially since we saw the same Dr. in Chicago. I was so shocked to see her news. I am so glad they caught it early.

Now that I am 40, I had my first screening mammo a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked when they called me last week to say that they saw a "thickening" on my films and to come in for additional testing. I went this morning for a diagnostic mammo and an u/s. Thankfully, all is fine and what they saw is just a cyst. Phew.

I'm so glad everything turned out okay!

STL34

do you worry about long-term med affects and potential of cancer?

Yes, I definitely worry about the possible long term effects.  I was on oral estrogen for months at a time and I know that it has been linked to cardiovascular issues.  I'm also worried about the cancer issue.  I was on Humira before I started IF treatments and for most of those treatments.  I stopped it before my third IVF cycle.  But it also increases the risk of certain types of cancer. 

My paternal grandmother had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer and under went treatment for uterine cancer.  She had just been told the uterine cancer was back when she passed away.  My paternal aunt is now being treated for uterine cancer.  My maternal grandmother had thyroid cancer.  So, there is a history of cancer in my family.

have you ever been told to get a mammogram prior to cycling?  No.  It was never mentioned.

Ginger71

theworms:

theworms:

do you worry about long-term med affects and potential of cancer?  the thought crosses my mind every once and while.  i try to not worry about stuff unless i have a reason to worry.  there are also increased risks of certain types of cancer for women who never have children.  it seems like a lose/lose situation.

and 

have you ever been told to get a mammogram prior to cycling?  never.  i've been to 2 very reputable clinics and have never been told to get one.  is it an age thing?

 

thanks

Hmmmm,I don't think it's an age thing. I'm 40 and they never suggested it to me at any of the 4 clinics I went to (Cornell and NYU incuded)

jillmatheny

Breast cancer is one thing that I actually have tried not to worry about since I've inherited so many other things from my family that I have to deal with.  That being said, I have 2 friends who are younger than I am who have recently battled breast cancer with no family history and I'm 34... that's really scary.

A mammogram has never been mentioned to me by my RE or PCP.

wood6463

Yes I worry...

My RE made me get a breast exam but not a mammogram.

Mrkyrain

Mrs.McIrish:

Yes, I worry about it A LOT. I am BRCA1+ (breast cancer gene) so I worry more than the average IF patient. Guiliana just tested negative for the gene but that was my first thought--- early on-set BC--I wonder if she is BRCA+....  I have been getting mamm/breast MRI's every 6 months since I was 35 (when I found out about the gene).  I have asked 3 RE's about the connection between fertility drugs and cancer and have been told by all that there is no data connecting it.  I feel like there may be no data now but maybe in 10 years there will be (in a bad way) since so many more people are doing IVF than in earlier decades. I just told DH about Guiliana's diagnosis and of course he has been worrying about the risk the entire time for me. This really hits so close to home for me that I wonder if I should do any more cycles.  I am on max stims for both IVF's and this one is going on longer in terms of days of stimulation.

All my RE's forms asked if I had done a mamm and the date of it. These forms are filled out by all patients and not just older ones.

 

This is interesting since we go to the same practice and I was never asked about mammograms. I have never had one and honestly didn't worry too much about it in regards to the IF drugs.  I am worried now.  I have been on the max drugs for two cycles and about to start my third.  Also, about to start my second cycle with an EPP.  I have Parathyroidism and I was told that the estrogen could worsen this condition.  Great something else to worry about. As if there's not enough with IF.

madelyn07

I worry a lot. And, honestly, that's part of my decision to stop treatments. Those meds made me feel like ***, I can only imagine what they were doing to me. No, I was never told to get a mammogram.

Mrs.McIrish

Mrkyrain:

Mrs.McIrish:

Yes, I worry about it A LOT. I am BRCA1+ (breast cancer gene) so I worry more than the average IF patient. Guiliana just tested negative for the gene but that was my first thought--- early on-set BC--I wonder if she is BRCA+....  I have been getting mamm/breast MRI's every 6 months since I was 35 (when I found out about the gene).  I have asked 3 RE's about the connection between fertility drugs and cancer and have been told by all that there is no data connecting it.  I feel like there may be no data now but maybe in 10 years there will be (in a bad way) since so many more people are doing IVF than in earlier decades. I just told DH about Guiliana's diagnosis and of course he has been worrying about the risk the entire time for me. This really hits so close to home for me that I wonder if I should do any more cycles.  I am on max stims for both IVF's and this one is going on longer in terms of days of stimulation.

All my RE's forms asked if I had done a mamm and the date of it. These forms are filled out by all patients and not just older ones.

 

This is interesting since we go to the same practice and I was never asked about mammograms. I have never had one and honestly didn't worry too much about it in regards to the IF drugs.  I am worried now.  I have been on the max drugs for two cycles and about to start my third.  Also, about to start my second cycle with an EPP.  I have Parathyroidism and I was told that the estrogen could worsen this condition.  Great something else to worry about. As if there's not enough with IF.

The BWH questionaire asks for date of last mamm and results. I filled mine out since I have a history. I honestly don't know what would have been said if I left it blank or said n/a.   You probably said no so I guess they don't require it?

Mayan2011

DeputiesWife:

1. yes i do worry about the side effects of all the meds.

2. no i have not.  

This.

Mitzi Bishi

I've always worried about this, because IVF drugs are relatively new and the long term side effects aren't entirely known. 

All that being said I also worry about colon cancer because it runs in my family and because taking folic acid increases it. I've now taken folic acid way longer than I care to admit hoping and waiting for this pregnancy that never comes.

I didn't have a mammogram before ART and no one has mentioned it. We have a friend whose mother has breast cancer - again- and it's shaken people, but she's 60+.  

epphd

https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/reproductive-history

Hi all, hope it's OK if I weigh in.  The "link" between ART and cancer is a link due to lack of childbearing.  Once women who use ART actually conceive, their risk goes back to normal.  Unfortunately, infertility itself - not the treatment - is the risk factor.

However, it's amazing how many doctors even don't appreciate this. I remember the gastroenterologist who found my colon tumor asking "didn't you do IVF a bunch of times?" (as if to say... "maybe that's what caused it).

When I answered that yes, I had, but that my understanding was the above (infertility itself, not the treatment) AND that the risk is restricted to gyn cancers she replied with "yeah, still..."  as though - you kow - it was my fault for doing IVF and despite ANY lack of evidence, that must be why I have colon cancer at 36.

She was an idiot. 

Long story short - no, I don't worry about cancer risks from my previous treatments.  But had I not conceived, yes, it would freak me out and I would probably be even more vigilant about yearly paps and ask my doc about self exams/early mammos.  Paranoia though, is not warranted

I'll also C&P what I said in a similar post:

Honestly I wonder if Juliana's case is one that would have been indolent so long as to not have ever caused a problem.  While no one likes to think of NOT finding or treating cancer, many of the cases detected through early mammos are indolent.  Interesting stuff. 

Best wishes to Julianna for SURE.  I hope though that this is not another platform to push for routine mammos in young women.  There are a lot of false alarms and huge cost for not a huge benefit.  Controversial opinion, I know, but study after study show this.