Trying for a baby after zoladex and aromasin

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MeToo14
MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
edited March 2020 in Young With Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed at 35 in July of 2014. I had just gotten married and we were about to start trying to for a baby. After I finished radiation and reading the SOFT study and being scared out of my mind this was going to come back, I chose to go with ovarian suppression with an AI. I just thought I'd never had a baby. Now that the PTSD has worn off (for the most part), I really would like to have a baby. It will be 3 years in August since I started the hormonal medication, I am in menopause. I was wondering if anyone else went the route I did and then went off the medication to try to get pregnant. If so, were you successful? How long did it take? Have you gone on to have progression? Plus, I'm 39 so I probably would be 40 before I could start trying. Am I just being a fool, or is it an actual possibility that I could be a mom?

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  • Falconer
    Falconer Member Posts: 1,192
    edited March 2018
    Me too14, I just wanted to wish you the best. I too had OS and an AI, but I was 45 when dx'd. I recently stopped Lupron and switched to Tamoxifen in December and no period yet. I was not menopausal when dx'd, and had my third child when I was a few months shy of 43. I hope that things go smoothly for you and your body cooperates.
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  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited March 2018

    Thank you for the kind words Falconer, I hope tamoxifen treats you well.

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  • Sophiemara
    Sophiemara Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2018

    Hey MeToo14, I haven't done it yet, but really considering it next year- also will be 3 years of arimidex and zoladex. I have similar stats to you. I was dx st 34, now 37 and no kids. Did go through Ivf prior to chemo and had two embryos put on ice. My onco has said ideally I would be on arimidex for full five years, but she recently said minimum would be 3 years because of my nodes I think.

    There is also the 'Positive' trial happening which is looking at women interrupting their hormone therapy and then going back on it after having the baby. Unfortunately though the results won't be out for several years.

    I totally think it's possible to have a baby after ER+ Bc after hormone therapy and an onco said to me it's not that a pregnancy would necessarily cause anything adverse, but it's just waiting that period of time when it could be most risky due to stats.

    What does your onco say? It's so hard, esp being our age. Part of me thinks I obviously don't want to risk my life and other part thinks to hell with cancer, I'm not letting it take anymore especially something as natural as having a baby. I'm definitely leaning towards the latter and I do everything else within my control (exercise and diet)to remain fit and healthy.

    Best of luck with it,I hope everything works out for you.

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  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited March 2018

    Hi Sophiemara, I appreciate your input. I have a friend that is 9 years out of treatment for IBC. In that time she had two healthy boys and went on the zoladex shot and an AI last year. I know it's possible I just wish I froze embryos prior to treatment. The good news for you is that if you decide you don't want to carry a baby yourself you could always try a surrogate, if that's something you might consider.

    I plan on talking to my MO in May when I see him. I wouldn't go off treatment until August if I decide to try.

    I'll keep you posted, thanks for your help!



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  • MeToo14
    MeToo14 Member Posts: 493
    edited March 2018

    Bump

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  • Sophiemara
    Sophiemara Member Posts: 66
    edited March 2018

    That's great to hear about your friend. Yeah it seems really bad that there isn't some sort of standard where docs should always talk about fertility preservation to young girls. I also have a friend who didn't get offered it, it's not right. Have you thought about adoption?

    Yeah haven't looked into surrogacy but I should do, since it's really the safest thing to do.

    I kind of still have this romantic idea that I would like to carry my own child, but the reality is just unknown and I guess risky, because of the lack of data.

    I'm also looking into adoption, as a plan b. In case the embryos don't work.



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  • aerTO
    aerTO Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2018

    hi - I was diagnosed in early 2014 at the age of 33. Was on zoladex + AI for two years and stopped in oct 2016. Had a baby 5 months ago and have been back on zoladex/AI for last 3 months. Go for it!i was stage 2b, node positive

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  • Sophiemara
    Sophiemara Member Posts: 66
    edited May 2018

    Hey AerTo, that's fantastic news! Congratulations! What did you onco say about risk? How many nodes positive did you have and what percentage were you ER+?

    So happy for you!

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  • BCFighter2017
    BCFighter2017 Member Posts: 45
    edited October 2018

    Hi MeeToo14

    I have similar stats as yours. Diagnosed at 34 went through all the treatments and now on Exemestane (Aromasin) and monthly Zoladex injection.
    I will complete one year of hormonal this december. I always want my little girl to have a sibling so want to try by stopping hormonal and zoladex in between.
    Haven't discussed with my Oncologist yet since i want to continue with hormonal for atleast18 months but at the same time don't want to delay it beyond 38.
    Till then i will keep on searching forums , with success stories :) . Will keep everyone posted once i stop hormonal and try for baby.

    How is it going with you ? Its been a while since anyone bumped the thread.


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  • BT39
    BT39 Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2018

    I was just wondering how you ladies found doing ovarian suppression and an AI in terms of quality of life and side effects. I'm 39 and will have to decide if I should go this route or do "only" Tamoxifen. Two oncologists recommend I do OS and AI and two other experts suggest I do not. I'll be finishing chemo in December. I had a really high Oncotype score, which drove the chemo decision. Thanks for any insight!

    And good luck to everyone. :)

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  • BCFighter2017
    BCFighter2017 Member Posts: 45
    edited November 2018

    Hi BT39

    As of today , Ovarian Suppression and Aromasin is treating me well. I got my bone density tested and it was low so i was prescribed Prolia every 6 months.

    As far as quality of life is concerned , so far so good.I do get fatigued now and then but overall its quite manageable.


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  • Cpeachymom
    Cpeachymom Member Posts: 518
    edited November 2018

    bt39- I split the difference and have OS plus Tamoxifen. This was recommended for me as I guess there is a chance for incomplete OS, which AIs can’t handle. I believe the numbers are roughly 78% Disease free with Tamoxifen, 82 with tam + OS, 86 with os + AI. Check the SOFT and TEXT trials. So it’s something to consider and maybe ask about.

    I would also recommend a baseline bone density scan prior to or soon after starting OS.

    OS and Tamoxifen have overlapping side effects, so it is doable, just maybe more intense

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  • Gudrun
    Gudrun Member Posts: 140
    edited January 2019

    Here is some good news.

    After two years of Tamoxifen together with Zoladex my daughter has tried to have a baby. And here we go. She is pregnant. She is so happy.

    Love G

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  • Photogirl81
    Photogirl81 Member Posts: 36
    edited September 2019

    hi,

    Omg, like you told my story. I just came back today (after taking a long break) to bco website, because I am planning to try to have a baby. I just turned 38 this month, have two and a half years left from Tamoxifen.

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  • Gudrun
    Gudrun Member Posts: 140
    edited September 2019

    Photogirl, according to doctor's advice my daughter stopped Tam and Zola after two years, then had to use contraception for 6 months before trying. And it worked!

    Babygirl has "announced her arrival" in about two weeks from now. Tamoxifen is planned to be continued after breastfeeding - at least that's the plan ;-)

    Best wishes, G

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  • Gudrun
    Gudrun Member Posts: 140
    edited October 2019

    Dear young ladies,

    babygirl has arrived, she is so cute and healthy as is her mother, i.e. my daughter. Thanks to everybody for their encouragement. Happy if we are able to give hope to others.

    Love G

    image

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  • buttonsmachine
    buttonsmachine Member Posts: 930
    edited October 2019

    Congratulations!!! 💕

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited October 2019

    congratulations to you and your daughter! Such a beautifull news!

    Hi Photogirl and I am glad to "see" you here and hear about your plans for a baby. Wish you good luck

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  • berries
    berries Member Posts: 277
    edited October 2019

    I was just diagnosed in August at 34, exactly 3 weeks shy of my 35th birthday. We were trying to have a baby at that time, but unfortunately, life had other plans. We went through one round of IVF and got 2 healthy boy embryos and tried for a second round just recently... waiting on the embryologists' final count *cross fingers*

    I haven't even started chemo yet (next week), so it is so daunting to me how much longer we will have to wait.... and I'm now scared to even think about carrying a child given my stats. I'll be 38 until I can even think about it...

    Wish this didn't happen to such young ladies... good luck and much love to you all. x

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  • libby2002
    libby2002 Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2020

    Hi Berries.

    I have very similar stats to you.

    I was rushed into chemo and didn't get the IVF before hand :(

    Are you part of the babies after breast cancer group on facebook?

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  • libby2002
    libby2002 Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2020

    Also has anyone been on YSC, there is a whole thread on women who have successfully conceived (sometimes multiple times) after BC.

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  • libby2002
    libby2002 Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2020

    Also I haven't read the book, but I believe this woman, diagnosed in 2003 was er+ pr+ stage 3 and had two children after breast cancer.

    https://www.amazon.com/If-Just-Breathe-Tina-Koral/dp/1440419922

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  • libby2002
    libby2002 Member Posts: 41
    edited March 2020

    http://community.youngsurvival.org/topic/37063-list-of-post-bc-babies/

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