irrational ivf/cancer fears.. someone wanna talk me down

wille2b · December 2011

i have this incredible fear of doing ivf again because I feel like somehow i will get cancer.. its not toally irrational because it has happened to people. I am actually considering being done because i dont want to play with fire but at the same time i want to be pregnant(and stay that way). i would love to say that i want a baby no matter what the cost, but if its my life then whats the point. plus i feel selfish b/c i have a beautiful little boy and is it fair for me to put my life on the line and possibly leave him without a mom?? i know i am probably being a little silly but i really worry about these things.

someone have any insight? am i the only one worried about getting cancer from the drugs we take?

just a rambling of thoughts, sorry

Gregermis · December 2011

No... I've had the same fear. DH and I have put limits on how many times we'll do a fresh IVF (two times max). I've spent a lot of time in prayer these past couple of months

wille2b · December 2011

Gregermis:
No... I've had the same fear. DH and I have put limits on how many times we'll do a fresh IVF (two times max). I've spent a lot of time in prayer these past couple of months

oh good. i needed to hear this. thanks for the response

Sarah226 · December 2011

My attitude honestly is that everything can give you cancer, it seems like. There are people who are super healthy, do everything right, and still get sick. For me, the benefits outweigh the risk. But of course, I don't have a child already to think of. That is a huge thing to consider for you. I think you have to weigh the realistic chances vs. your desire to be pregnant, and then decide what you're comfortable doing. Good luck.

BOTB32010 · December 2011

My IVF nurse brought this up last week to me. She said original studies showed a link but more recent studies proved otherwise. For me I am willing to risk anything but I certainly felt better after she told me that.

Ruthie04 · December 2011

I do think about this often. It is my understanding that most of the research has not suggested a link between cancer and IVF. There was a flawed study that suggested it after Gilda Radner's death, but subsequent research refuted that finding. However, a recent study came out suggesting that there is some link, but not for invasive ovarian cancer or multiple IVF cycles ( https://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/27/news/la-heb-ovarian-cancer-ivf-20111027 ).There has been some thought that IF itself may increase your risk of breast or ovarian cancer. And, of course there is the whole idea that women that do not have children are at an increased risk. So, by that standard, you would lower your risk by undergoing (successful) treatment.

At this point, it seems like no one really knows. But, whenever I start to freak out, I always ask myself, "what is the alternative?" I want to be a mother and what mother wouldn't do anything for her child? I figure all I can do is try to keep an eye on the research, keep my OB/GYN informed of my IF history, and pray.

LaLe09 · December 2011

Sarah226:
My attitude honestly is that everything can give you cancer, it seems like. There are people who are super healthy, do everything right, and still get sick. For me, the benefits outweigh the risk. But of course, I don't have a child already to think of. That is a huge thing to consider for you. I think you have to weigh the realistic chances vs. your desire to be pregnant, and then decide what you're comfortable doing. Good luck.

I agree with this. Furthermore, to my knowledge, there are no current studies linking ivf with cancer. (Although, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a link with multiple cycles... who knows what they will find in the future). But you need to do whatever you feel comfortable with doing!!

Roxie5739 · December 2011

I too asked my RE about this before IVF#1 and of course he shot it down in a ball of flames. The issue is more about being IF and not having a natural child that can show an increase in OC. The article that was in an earlier post is informative and maybe the best to date but I think the big "C" is a risk for all of us living in modern society. We have a bigger risk with the xenoestrogens we injest by shampoos, hair dyes, plastics, make up than the 20 days of meds from IVF. I have elimated all "bad" things from my environment and eat organic as much as possible.

Don't stress about it. You need to think through why you are doing this, the joy that that baby will bring to your lives one day. That said, I think IVF#2 will be the end for me. Financially, emotionally and for health reasons.

GL!!

Reilly626 · December 2011

I actually was more concerned not getting pregnant which my Ob says puts me at a higher risk of breast cancer which runs in my family. I get what you are saying though. I was concerned at first but a baby was more important right now. I agree with others also, what doesn't cause cancer?

irrational ivf/cancer fears.. someone wanna talk me down

Re: irrational ivf/cancer fears.. someone wanna talk me down

Choose Another Board

Search Boards