Hi there! I had a lump removed recently and did not receive a clear margin. I have been to see an oncologist who recommends Chemo and then hormone therapy. I am still hopeful of having children before I am 40 and have been told there is a small risk with chemo that I could end up with permanent menopause... Wondering if there is anyone out there who was in a similar situation and maybe even chose not to do chemo... Any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hi Lucia Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was 39 at diagnosis and already had two kids. I had triple negative and had 6 rounds of chemo. I went into menopause midway through and have just had confirmed today that it is permanent (9 mths after last period). Even having had my children it is still hard to come to terms with that I now have no choice in the matter. I'd be looking at having eggs harvested in your situation I guess and not having chemo is an option and your oncologist should be able to give you stats to assist your decision. Best of luck. Tammy x PS there is also a group on here and on Facebook called young pink sisters - generally for woman under 50 with BC - I find it really supportive x

Hi Lucia My situation is different to yours. I am 42 and have never been keen on having kids. Nevertheless, before getting me to make a decision about chemotherapy my surgeon made sure I was referred to a fertility specialist because I am pre menopausal. If you havent been referred yet, then I recommend asking about it. There is an implant called Zoladex available to protect your ovaries during chemo. As well as egg harvesting there is the option of harvesting ovarian tissue for re-implant when the chemo finishes. I think the options depend on the pathology of your cancer too i.e. is it oestrogen/progesteron/HER2 positive or negative? There is good info on all this in the free My Journey kit avilable from BCNA and also on their website. Take a little time to do some research, talk to the professionals and make a decison you are happy with. All the best with your ride! Fiona

Hi Lucia, Good to see you taking the plunge and making your first blog post. I hope you will get many members sharing their experience. As Fiona mentioned above -- if you have not received a copy of the My Journey Kit then you can order a copy from our website - http://www.bcna.org.au/my-journey-kit And regarding fertility we also have a booklet that you can download -- You will find some helpful information here: http://www.bcna.org.au/fact-sheets Good luck and shout if you need a hand finding your way around. ~Daina

Hi Lucia I just thought I would emphasise the usefulness of the fertility booklet Daina mentioned above. It outlines your options to preserve your fertility before you begin treatment with chemotherapy and hormone therapy. If you want us to send you a free copy in the mail, please don't hesitate to order a copy from our website. It's a great idea to take the booklet with you to your next appointment with your oncologist, and can help to get the fertility conversation started. It's important to know that there are options for you to consider. All the best Lucia Annie

Thanks. I really appreciate your comments.

Under 40 & single | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

safarian
Member
13 years ago
Hi Lucia

My situation is different to yours. I am 42 and have never been keen on having kids. Nevertheless, before getting me to make a decision about chemotherapy my surgeon made sure I was referred to a fertility specialist because I am pre menopausal. If you havent been referred yet, then I recommend asking about it. There is an implant called Zoladex available to protect your ovaries during chemo. As well as egg harvesting there is the option of harvesting ovarian tissue for re-implant when the chemo finishes. I think the options depend on the pathology of your cancer too i.e. is it oestrogen/progesteron/HER2 positive or negative? There is good info on all this in the free My Journey kit avilable from BCNA and also on their website.

Take a little time to do some research, talk to the professionals and make a decison you are happy with. All the best with your ride!

Fiona
tammyp26
Member
13 years ago
Hi Lucia Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was 39 at diagnosis and already had two kids. I had triple negative and had 6 rounds of chemo. I went into menopause midway through and have just had confirmed today that it is permanent (9 mths after last period). Even having had my children it is still hard to come to terms with that I now have no choice in the matter. I'd be looking at having eggs harvested in your situation I guess and not having chemo is an option and your oncologist should be able to give you stats to assist your decision. Best of luck. Tammy x PS there is also a group on here and on Facebook called young pink sisters - generally for woman under 50 with BC - I find it really supportive x

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Under 40 & single

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