Hi all. In 2007 at aged 31 I was diagnosed with grade 3 bc. After surgery,chemo,radio and 4.5years of Tamoxifen i was looking forward to future when in Sep it came back in my lymph nodes. More surgery and last week completed chemotherapy for second time. My questions to all are around fertility. I haven’t had any children and was told in 2007 there was no time to freeze eggs before chemo. My oncologist advised to get to the end of the 5 years Tamoxifen and then try. However the cancer returned before this. I tried one round of fertility in between this surgery and chemo this time but unfortunately it did not work. (I was hoping due to stress etc but it could be due to the chemo in 2007. They just couldn’t tell). I’ve now been told that they want to try me on another 5 year hormone drug where I will have to be injected to ensure definite menopause. I am devastated and at a loss because my dream of having children is being taken away from me all over again. In addition to this I had a really bad time on Tamoxifen (in terms of relationship with hubbie) due to the menopausal symptoms but I knew it would come to an end. I am struggling mentally with the thought of having full menopause at 36 as well and never being able to have children. It just feels like the whole of my 30s will be lost to bc! I havent been on this site before but am hoping that you might be able to tell me if you have had other treatments that don’t involve full menopause. I know there are lots of different BCs! I hope I can support in return. Please feel free to ask me anything. Emma
Hi Emmie1976
I’m sorry to read you’re having a pretty tough time at the moment. I’m sure some of ther other users will be a long soon to offer you their support and experiences.
In the mean time you might find it useful to read the BCC booklet about fertility and breast cancer, it discusses how treatment may affect your fertility and ways of trying to preserve it. It also includes issues such as pregnancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer and permanent infertility. If you would like to order a copy or read this on line just follow the link below:-
Also do give the helpline a call if you want to discuss anything or just to talk through how you are feeling. The helpline staff are there to offer you emotional support as well as practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Dear Emmie,
I wanted to bump your post as it will potentially drop down and go unnoticed. I am so sorry that you have had such a rough time. I can’t help you with your question about fertility as I have had triple negative breast cancer twice, first time at aged 40, and knew it would cause me to be infertile.
Anyway, wanted to respond as you said it was your first post. Am sure you will get some posts. You could also go to section on younger women.
Sending you big virtual hugs. Rattles