Recently diagnosed triple negative 19mm no node involvement from the initial scans. I’m 29 and due to have a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal on 27th May then chemo and radiotherapy after. I’ve also asked about fertility treatment as I don’t have kids but want to and I know chemo can affect it. IVF has been presented as an option but it seems an added risk on top of everything else and a big decision to make…feel kind of rushed into it. Anyone else in a similar position?
Hi,
Yep, exactly that situation 22 years ago.
Age 29. Lumpectomy, node removal (it was a sample back then not sentinel).
Not er+ and no tests for her2 so effectively triple (though the phrase wasn’t used back then).
Radio and chemo.
But where we differ is that I was never too interested in having children. The only discussion around the subject I had with drs was being told to not even think about getting pregnant for quite some time. I remained not interested and never had any and have no regrets.
It seems the discussion around future children is (another) much improved area of care in this journey. What ever road yours takes I wish you well.
Hi Em1986
As well as the support you receive here you might find it helpful to read the publication on fertility, it describes how treatment for primary breast cancer affects fertility and possible ways of preserving it. It also includes information about 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 if you would like to talk things through do give the helpline a call on 0808 800 6000. Here you can share your thoughts and concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. Lines are open today from 10 to 2pm and weekdays 9 to 5pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Well that was good of them…not to worry thank you for trying to find out just a waiting game now until surgery in a couple of weeks!x
Hi Em1986, I was diganosed grade 3, triple negative, stage 1 in Dec 2007 and had all my treatment in 2008. I had a lumpectomy and the sentinel node test which showed it hadn’t spread, 8 rounds of chemo every 2 weeks and then radiotherapy. I was 36 and my son had his third birthday the day my chemo started. I also had to consider harvesting my eggs as we were still trying for a second baby, but because we had one child already and the cost of fertility treatment so high, we decided to hedge our bets and instead I had a separate drug during chemo that was intended to “protect” my eggs, Neulasta. Combined with the effects of the chemo drugs Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, Paxitaxel and Zoladex, I had the full enforced effect of menopause. I can’t say how that differs from not taking Neulasta as well, but hot flushes and mood swings were interesting! I am now nearly 7 years on from my first diagnosis, but sadly there are no more babies in the house. We tried, and sadly I had many early miscarriages. This however was also how my fertility was before diagnosis, and I feel lucky to have the one son I do. My advice would be to do everything in your power and budget to protect your eggs if you know in your heart you want to try for children in the future. Talk with your oncologist about the realistic risks you face if you delay chemo for fertitily treatment, mine said if we could afford it we should do it quickly. Good luck in whatever you decide, it’s a rough road ahead, but stick it out, it’s worth it xx