Hi all,
I’ve almost finished treatment for triple negative breast cancer, the chemo (fec-t) and surgery are behind, the radiotherapy is about to start. I was wondering whether anyone could tell me what the chances are of still being able to get pregnant after fec-t chemotherapy? I’m in my early 30s, and never really had a strong wish to become a mother, so when before the start of the chemo I was asked by the nurse and oncologist whether I would want children, my reply was that it was not something I was considering at that moment. They didn’t push me to consider it more carefully, or give much extra information about possible effects and possible measures. So I didn’t opt for egg freezing, we never really got to the stage of discussing that in any meaningful way.
About a month ago I received ‘all clear’ news, which is a great relief, the chemo has had maximum effect. Now that I feel that this is almost behind and I can start looking to the future again, I was struck by all of a sudden being overwhelmed by thoughts about having children, and a feeling of panic as to whether this is still possible. I feel stupid, in hindsight I wish I had considered more carefully the possibility that some day I would want children, and that therefore I should have pushed for much more specific information as to what consequences the chemo could have for my fertility. But also that the nurse and oncologist could have taken more time to discuss this, especially with younger women. I was so focused on the cancer treatment, that all else moved a bit to the background and didn’t get the attention that in hindsight it sure needed.
I hope to get an appointment with my GP soon, to see if it is possible to start the process of checking my fertility. But since that process is likely going to take a while, and I’m feeling rather nervous and stressed about this, are any of you aware of pregnancies after fec-t without pre-chemo egg preservation?
Thanks so much for any thoughts/experiences you could share.
Hannah