Pregnancy after cancer?

tlew

I have been diagnosed a few months ago with bc and elected to do a BMX. Just had my exchange surgery to silicone implants. I had a small invasive cancer that was removed during one of my biopsies. So when I had my surgery I was left with a small amount of Dcis in 1 breast. I did not need any further treatment because my mo said my cancer was really small and I took the aggressive route and did the bmx. So my question is will getting pregnant give me a higher risk of getting a recurrence or give me another cancer? My mo says to wait 2 years, but I'm already in my mid 30's and 2 years is a lot of fertility time wasted. It seems there's so little data out there on this topic. I'm just debating if I should wait the 2 years or even just give up on the whole idea. Is there anyone out there that is in a similar situation?

sakura73

There is no evidence that pregnancy increases your risk of recurrence. There is some suggestion that it might actually be protective against recurrence, but at best, your chance of recurrence will be the same whether you have a baby or not. That is what both my oncologist and my fertility doctor told me. In the past women were told not to try, but as more and more of us do go ahead and have a child there will be a pool of evidence one way or the other.

 For myself, I chose after chemo etc not to take Tamoxifen and to have a baby. he ended up being born 2.5 years after my diagnosis. I was already 36 when chemo ended and didn't want to waste time! You have not had the chemo delay to worry about, and it sounds like the tumour which was removed was at a very early stage. So in your shoes I would not wait, but only you can decide!

 The reason to wait 2 years would be that most recurrences happen in that time, but pregnancy won't increase your risk. 

For me, even if I do have a recurrence later, I will never regret having my son. Don't give up your dreams of motherhood too easily, there are many of us in your shoes who are choosing to have babies.

Moderators

Dear tlew, 

While you are waiting for more members to respond, you can check out the Fertility and Pregnancy Issues During and After Breast Cancer on the main breastcancer.org site.

We hope this helps.

The Mods 

tlew

Sakura73,

Your son is beautiful!Thank you for sharing your journey with me. My Mo had mentioned about the reason behind the 2 year wait. But 2 years for me is not the same as 2 years for someone in their late 20s. When I was first diagnosed I was told possible chemo and tamox and at my age I should freeze embryos and search for surrogate.Who has that kind of money to do that after being diagnosed with cancer? I certainly don't. I felt so hopeless while letting my husband down. My goals and plans all shattered by 1 disease. So when I found out I didnt need any other treatments, I was beyond grateful. And now looking for more info on pregnancy after BC.



I am so happy for that you were able to be a mommy despite all the treatments and waiting time. I agree with you on never regretting giving birth with or without a recurrence. I am going reconsider it after I recover from the reconstruction surgery.



Congrats to you and your family!

nikkidonahue

Hi, I was diagnosed in May 2009, at the age of 35.  My docs also told me to wait 2 years, but I had a thyroid issue too in the mix, so I ended up waiting almost 3 years.  I just turned 39 and am 5 months pregnant.  Also looking for ladies to chat with who are in the same situation - they seem to be very hard to find!

tlew

Congrats Nikki! Did you get pregnant naturally? How does it feel to be pregnant after BC? I'm also trying to find more ladies to chat with on this topic, but I don't seem to be getting many hits. I have an appointment with my MO next month to discuss further about pregnancy.

tea

tlew -

Like you I had a mastectomy for DCIS (in my case single) and they found two small foci of invasive in the biopsy sample - each 1.5 mm.  No other invasive cancer was found in the mastectomy or SNL pathology.  Unlike you I'm a bit older - diagnosed at 36 - and I already have one child.  However we were planning on trying for another when this all started.  So at the recommendation of my surgeon, oncologist and ob/gyn, I went on Tamoxifen for a little over two years.  I am now taking a break to TTC at nearly 40.  I plan to go back on Tamoxifen after/if I get pregnant and breastfeed for 6 months.  This approach was also OK'ed by another oncologist that I went to for a second opinion.  Of course, I think everyone would prefer that I do the full 5 years on Tamoxifen now, but they all understand that my fertility window is running out.  Hope this helps.

Abby20

Congratulations Niki..



I was diagnosed at age 36, my only child was 6 months old, we were planning to have a second one a year after but of course this has been put on hold for now. I just started chemo and have to wait 2 years before starting

jpmercy

Hi there, I was dx at 30 when my son was six months old I had Dcis BMX n then found 2mm invasive component her2 so I opted for 12 weeks weekly taxol n a yr of herceptin I waited six months after my last herceptin per my doctor to start trying I was about two years out from original dx when I got pregnant naturally this past may. My cycles were crazy after chemo so I did acupuncture n it regulated my cycles n we got pregnant naturally the second month trying I'm currently seven month pregnant w twins! I have no clue how I wound up with two in there!! But feel very blest! It's a little weird not having my breasts get bigger this pregnancy I feel like I have this huge belly n small boobs it's just funny to me, I'll miss breast feeding this time but I'm so greatful that I refuse to stress about it!

jpmercy

Tlew- also when I was first dx w just Dcis like you since I was doing BMX my doctor said I only had to wait six months post surgery to start trying, unfortunately for me I had the invasive part so chemo and herceptin pushed back my time frame, had I not had all that I would have started trying six months post surgery I don't think I would have waited the two years.

Alexandra123

I'm 6 years out of tamoxifen and lupron shots stopped in May 2012--38 years old. My period came back for 2 months now are non existent. Can I still get pregnant? Going to see obgyn to get her perspective. It's great to hear so many happy stories about getting pregnant after all we've been through!! I'm glad I found you all!!

miss302

i have had 2 children after BC. first was with femara, ovridel and iui, 2ns was surprise. i am 33, just had my 2nd on feb 1 2013!

tlew

Congrats miss302! Thats awesome. Thanks for sharing your story. Its gives us young survivors some hope.

slg76

I was dx when I was 33 and pregnant with my first child.  We definitely want at least one more.  These decisions are so hard to make when our health futures are so uncertain.  I think all we can do is go with our gut.  All current research supports that pregnancy does NOT increase recurrence risk.  Of course a recurrence takes on new meaning when you have a small child to take care of.  My oncologist and I decided that I would do one year of tamoxifen and then take a break to have a baby before finishing the 5 years of treatment.  I have been off tamoxifen for a year now and have been trying to concieve.  Unfortunately the chemo damaged my fertlity and we don't think I'm ovulating on my own.  I am starting fertlity meds on my next cycle.  Fingers crossed for a little brother or sister for my daughter.  

Keepn-my-Faith

I was DX @ 35 and will be 37 this Sept. I have been taking tamo for a yr already and like many of you, I so badly want another child. I have a 9yr old daughter already and my window is very narrow. I just spoke with my oncologist and he says that he doesn't see why not. Of course there's always the risk of a recurrence due to your hormone levels escalating during pregnancy. He said I would have to be monitored very closely if I do become pregnant. This Sept we will start trying to become pregnant. It is a very hard decision like some of you have said. You not only have to worry about your health, but also have to weigh the options having children as well as the ones we already have. It affects your whole family, but thank God for all you amazing women out here!!! We are survivors and we have eachother...just hang on to your faith and God will do the rest!!! Best of luck and congrats to all you mommies out there, you are not alone!!! XOXO