Cancer Survivor Trying to Concieve.

lucy1213 · May 2015

Hi! I've been married for almost 6 months and my husband and I have been TTC. I've been cancer free from sarcoma cancer for a year. I did chemo therapy. Doctor told me I had a low chance of concieving. Anyone trying or has concieved after doctors telling you that you can't? Any advice in coping with that fact? Thank you

ecmb · May 2015

First, I'm sorry you had cancer but congrats on being cancer-free.

Did the dr give you a specific reason for why they think you have a low chance of conceiving?

lucy1213 · May 2015

Thank you so much!

well, the chemo drugs I recieved attacked my whole body imcluding my ovaries. When I started chemotherapy I had a regular period. After a couple weeks went by my period came back and last 26 days. After 26 days, I went through menopause for about 5 months. So, it def did effect me in that area. Thankfully now my cycles are normal again.

The doctor told me, that my chances of concieving are low due to the drugs. It was basically it. I wasn't TOO worried about it at the time bc I was more worried about being healed from cancer. but now that I am married it's a very big deal.

ecmb · May 2015

lucy1213 said:

Hi! I've been married for almost 6 months and my husband and I have been TTC. I've been cancer free from sarcoma cancer for a year. I did chemo therapy. Doctor told me I had a low chance of concieving. Anyone trying or has concieved after doctors telling you that you can't? Any advice in coping with that fact? Thank you

lucy1213 said:

Thank you so much! well, the chemo drugs I recieved attacked my whole body imcluding my ovaries. When I started chemotherapy I had a regular period. After a couple weeks went by my period came back and last 26 days. After 26 days, I went through menopause for about 5 months. So, it def did effect me in that area. Thankfully now my cycles are normal again. The doctor told me, that my chances of concieving are low due to the drugs. It was basically it. I wasn't TOO worried about it at the time bc I was more worried about being healed from cancer. but now that I am married it's a very big deal.

Oh okay. I would definitely recommend temping then so that you can be sure you are actually ovulating each cycle and not experiencing annovulatory cycles (where you get your period each month but your ovaries didn't release an egg). If your doctor thinks there may be something wrong with your eggs (maybe the chemo can damage them? I actually don't know the answer to this) then maybe you could look into donor eggs if you are comfortable with that. You can also look into adoption if you're open to that option.

I would talk to your doctor and see exactly what his/her concern is so that you will know what to do. If they think your eggs are okay I would definitely recommend the following:

order a basal body thermometer
sign up for Fertility Friend
order a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni W. on Amazon.com and read it

If the doctor thinks there is something wrong with your eggs then I would consider your other options.

Good luck!

mcmurray33 · May 2015

Exactly what @ecmb said! Good luck! I'm also a survivor, if you need support, your in the right place! Good luck with your TTC journey!

PumpkinTi · May 2015

I don't have anything concrete to add - but wanted to chime in and say congrats on being cancer-free and good luck!

tgrlily287 · May 2015

It sounds like you have been through a lot! Glad you are now cancer-free! Good luck!

lucy1213 · May 2015

Wow, thank you all SO much. It's my first post and I already feel so much support! I enjoyed your comments and learned a lot. I def feel much better. I told my husband and he's happy for me that I can receive much help and support from you all.

cattlebride · May 2015

Welcome and congrats on you being cancer free. There is a ton of information here good luck.

lostkyte · May 2015

Welcome! Wow, what a journey already. Glad to have you with us!

CUtiger09 · May 2015

I am also a cancer survivor. I had leukemia when I was 6 months old. I don't really have any idea how that will effect me. I understand your worry. I wish you lots of luck and am here for support!

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