Stopping Tamoxifen to Have a Baby

nem126

Hi All,

I am 32 years old. Just got married. A few months later and BAM, breast cancer diagnosis. My surgery is next week so I am still early on in my journey and a lot has yet to reveal itself about my treatment plan. However, I do know that Tamoxifen will eventually be a part of it. We talked to a fertility specialist, and its beyond us financially to go the IVF route, plus I just didn't feel comfortable with it.

So, as Tamoxifen has been shown to cause birth defects, I obviously don't want to get pregnant while on it. I don't want to take huge risks to my own health either. But we still want a family, if there is anyway left to do that. It's hard to just give up.

Are there any younger ladies out there going through a similar circumstance? Has anyone stopped or delayed Tamoxifen to start a family? Are there any alternatives for young women? Any experience or advice someone can give is so appreciated. I feel lost, and like there aren't many choices left.

Moderators

Hi again nem, we also commented on your post in the Young With Breast Cancer forum, but we also wanted to share this page with you from the main Breastcancer.org site: Fertility Issues to Discuss Before You Start Treatment.

We're so sorry you're here, but really glad you found us. We feel for you, dealing with this dilema while trying to start a family.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

hughesy84

Hi Nem

I wanted to share my story with you. I was diagnosed at 31 in September 2015, IDC Grade 1 stage 1b ER+ PR+ HER2-.

I have been on Tamoxifen for over a year and I met with my oncologist yesterday who has told me I can come off the Tamoxifen to try for a baby.

Its a decision I am scared about, but ultimately I want a child and so I think thats what I am going to do. My oncologist seems very comfortable with my decision.

I have read lots of stories of women taking a break from Tamoxifen and falling pregnant which gives me hope.

Anyway if you ever want to chat, please drop me a message. The first few weeks are absolutely the scariest and I felt so alone, please drop me a message if you have any questions about anything.

Katie x