Anyone had cancer and then successfully got pregnant?

nic_santorini

I know this is a bit personal peeps, but I have just been told I am in remission again after a 10 year battle with cancer and 4 years of continuous chemo (introvenous and tablet form). I am 38 years old, married and we have no children - I hear of tales of women still coming out fertile and going on to have healthy children and remain healthly themselves, but wanted some reassurance it was possible.

Perhaps I am selfish and should not even think about it and count my lucky stars I am still here, but only been married 7 years and would love our own children, but obviously want healthy children and want to stay around to see them grow up too!! It is a difficult place to be in - has anyone else been in the same position and can offer advice.

I am always the one supporting other people and I thought I would come on here and ask for your independant help rather than those too close.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and reply if you have anything constructive to say.:o

Any

HI,
Sorry to darken the mood, but what form of cancer was it?

I only ask because my BF's cousin had cancer down there in past and they cuti out, then she wanted babies, but the only way she could have some was to be donated eggs. She did get a donor and she was very happy.

Anyway, the hormon treatment set off very radical new cancer and within 6 mths she was gone... Apparently she should have been warned that that can happen.. Have you discussed it with doctors?
Are they happy with you going for it?

Any

Apparently it has something to do with hormones that pregnant women produce, it means that if you have some kind of cancerous cells they can grow faster.

Please discuss this with your doctor in detail, even ask for second opinion.

xx

nic_santorini

thanks above, yes think I know the answer myself deep down, and the hormonal raise may be a risk too much - my oncologist does say so too. Had advanced breast cancer second time around in my lungs, liver and bones. I guess I was just searching out their for some kind of alternative. I know I am very lucky to be alive and have been spared so far so good but there is still that yearning that some will understand I am sure. Thanks again. Nic

jackieglasgow

Of course we understand your yearning, and there is nothing at all wrong with having hope, especially after all you have been through. Have you considered fostering, you sound like someone with a lot of love to give, and this might be a good idea for you to bring some of that love to some poor wee souls who desperately need it? I don't mean that to sound condescending, an am aware it might, but there is a real shortage of good foster care out there for children in desperate need, and a lot of suitable people never even consider it as an option.

Whatever happens, and whatever you decide to do, I hope you remain happy and healthy.

danielle1977

Really sorry to hear what you have gone thru. I haven't had cancer and then got pregnant but I once worked with a mum that did (I teach hypnobirthing). The mum who found out during her first pregnancy she had cancer, she had baby and then treatment (not sure exactly what treatment), she was then told there was no way she would have anymore children, she then didn't use any contraception and got pregnant with baby 2. She said she was told this was a fluke, eggs could of survived that had were ready to be released from ovary, that it wouldn't happen again. Very happy mum to have a second baby. After the birth she went on, no contraception and got pregnant with twins-thats when I met her-she said after they were born she was going to start using contraception! I guess there is always the hope and hopefully you will be lucky like this mum was.

borokat

I hope you find a way to have children, one way or another.
My cousin's husband had testicular cancer and was told they wouldn't be able to have more children. They already had 2. This situtation persisted for 10 years...they are now parents to 5 gorgeous kids! So even if you are told it can't happen, there are always exceptions.

SugarSpun

I have a friend who had breast cancer and produced a lovely healthy baby with no hormone treatments/donations, she conceived the regular way.

However, I would discuss with your doctor because there are health risks involved and your specific case needs specific advice.

tasha-debt

Have you looked in to surrogacy? My Mums friend had a long fight with breast cancer (although not as long as yours), her Husband and her really wanted children but the doctor advised against it incase a) Cancer came back whilst pregnant and b) Fertility drugs can cause cancer again. So they used a surrogate, they now have a beautiful little girl and their surrogate is having another one for them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Good luck. x

clairec79

I haven't but am a midwife and have cared for women who have (including one who had unsucessfully had infertility treatment prior to cancer treatment and then conceived naturally)

365days

My friend conceived not once but twice after chemo. Good Luck