Coming off tamoxifen early to have a baby
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it's been a while since I checked in here and a lot has happened. Hubby lost his job in September then was diagnosed with bowel cancer 6 weeks later. He had almost all of his colon removed and they got all the cancer so they don't need him to have chemo or radiation. At the same time he was in hospital my period came back after almost 10 months after finishing zoladex and tamoxifen.
I broke the radius bone at my wrist the day before Valentines and needed to have surgery to insert a plate and screws. Hubby got offered a new job with really good future prospects contracting to the government.
We also found out on the 28th Feb that I'm pregnant! I was putting my lack of period down to stress and the op but it turned out to be early pregnancy symptoms.
I'm almost 7 weeks and will be due late October. We were completely taken by surprise as we had both been feeling unwell for a while so we weren't actively trying too hard this month and only tried once. Hubby is very pleased with himself about that.
We were worried about the effect all the drugs etc I was taking for the pain for my arm would have (morphine and ketamine in emergency, a general for the op and a week of regular panadien and ibuprofen) but the doctor I saw reassured us that there was minimal risk.
We're still in a bit of disbelief over it all but very happy.
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Hello Ladies I'm trying for a while now to give my husband a baby what he ever wanted we been together 11 months now 2 months ago I'm diagnosed with breast Cancer had my Lumpectomy surgery April 12 starting Chemo May 16 my treatment is ( Epirubicin + Cyclophosphamide Every 2 weeks × 4 doses ) and ( Abraxane once a week for 12 weeks ) wanna know if this kind of treatment can affect me from having a baby, I would like to conceive aafter treatment... can someone tell me their's a hope for me I'm 37 and I'm hoping for the best through out treatment
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Hey brandford37, there definitely is hope. Did you do IVF prior to chemo? I did one cycle and got 2 embryos. I've just finished my main treatment(chemo and rads) and started hormone therapy about a month ago. Are you on zoladex? This is a monthly injection which shuts down your ovaries prior to chemo to protect them and your fertility. It doesn't always work, but it's worth trying. I'm 35 years now and when i met with my oncologist last week, she advised that I should wait the full five years before getting pregnant as I am high risk (stage/grade/lymph nodes and young age). She said if you're lower risk that most docs advise after 2-3 years of hormone therapy. As much as five years isn't ideal, I also don't want to risk myself when my risk is higher. At the moment it's just about you and getting healthy again, everything else comes second.0
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hi Brandford,
That chemo mix (if I remember correctly) has an intermediate risk for affecting fertility. Have you talked to your MO about fertility preservation?
As Lottomarine said the risk of getting pregnant depends on your stage, however there have been ladies that have gotten pregnant after chemo. If you are ER/PR+ they would recommend to try after 2 years of tamoxifen. But it is doable.
Chemo does affect fertility but the extend will depend on your body.
I would talk with the MO and if possible go through an IVF round (I did and have 6 embryos waiting)
Hugs.
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I have been meaning to post here forever as I remember checking up on this board many times looking for inspiration of ladies getting pregnant after BC! Well after stage 2 BC and 6 rounds Chemo.. 5 years later after 2 years trying and going back to the IVF clinic, I have a healthy baby boy! He is now 22 months and my biggest blessing. It is possible and when it happens it is the most amazing thing and totally worth the wait.
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Congrats Kirboxx and SKD!!! So happy for you two!!
Does anyone get any guidance from their MO regarding how long they recommend you try to get pregnant (IE how long you can have a break from tamoxifen)? My period has been like clockwork since I got off tamoxifen, and after 4 months of trying, still nothing. I know its still early days, but I don't want to just keep trying forever and ever if there is little or no hope.... if my eggs are destroyed from chemo and I can't get pregnant with a healthy baby, is there any way to know? I just don't want to be wasting too much time off tamoxifen if my fertility is destroyed and didn't know how long I should try before rushing back to my tamoxifen! Thanks for any guidance -- either personal opinions or suggestions from MOs!!
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dear fight4two,
there are tests that an RE (or in some cases even a OBGYN) can run regarding fertility potential:
1. Blood tests like AMH/FSH testing can provide input on ovarian reserve. The FSH test usually occurs on day 3.
2. ultrasounds can provide input on Antral follicle count (how many eggs are growing at the start of the cycle) and what your lining is like.
regular/clockwork periods are a great sign though!
i would get in touch with an RE, especially if you are over 35. RE = reproductive endocrinologist.
finally, remember that the guy has a contribution to make here too! you could be the most fertile lady in the world but if the little swimmers are not able to do their job, your own fertility is moot!
i am looking forward to being in your situation once i am done with my treatments and a grace period...i can't wait to try again for baby #2.
best wishes to you dear. please feel free to PM me if you need anything or have any questions.
hugs!
laura*
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Fight4Two
We tried for 7 months after I stopped Tamoxifen before I got pregnant. I was frustrated and worried, but my OB/GYN told me not to be too concerned until we had been trying for a year.
Tracy
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that's great news SKD, you are an inspiration,thank you for coming back and sharing this with us.
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Question: My onc said we can start trying for baby number 2 in September. In Canada scans aren't generally done unless you have symptoms. Do you think I should ask for a scan? (No labs drawn either).
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My onc also does not do scans unless there are symptoms. I still get mammograms but I only had a unilateral mastectomy. If you've had a double mastectomy, I would think you probably don't need those either. My onc does do lab work although the CA2729 (I think that's what it's called) is not 100% reliable and I don't think all oncs check it.
Anyway me personally, I would not ask for a scan if you are not having any worrisome symptoms. Just my opinion. Good luck working on baby #2, we had baby #1 last year and are expecting #2 this September!
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Yep. My oncologist asked me if I had read the latest research on scans when the patient is asymptomatic. (Knowing that I would have because I always show up with stack of new research) Of course I have read 6 relevant ones this week. All saying that it is pretty pointless. So he said. 'I don't see the point of having you wait and worry for nothing. There are no guarantees. You feel great. Go make your miracle baby.' I wish you all had my oncologist. What a blessing. Pixie dust for all of us! Fingers crossed.
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hey everyone
Just a quick update. 30 weeks pregnant! Baby girl is big and strong and I can't wait to meet her.
Xxx
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Kiwikid! Congratulations and best wishes for a smooth delivery! You deserve that!
I'm jumping in to join the ladies who have been actively trying to get pregnant after treatment. I was diagnosed at 36 and will be 40 this year. My onc took me off tamox this time last year to try.My ovarian range tested in the low normal range last summer. So far no go.
My cycles seem to be more consistent now. 24 days most months (a couple of 26 and 1 cycle of 28 days). I'm trying to stay as natural as possible as I'm not sure about Clomid....
I'll post if we have any success. Good luck to all who are trying. I'm not giving up yet!
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Congrats to all those who are expecting!
I was dx at 38 while TTC unsuccessfully for 2 years. I had IVF prior to chemo but the eggs retrieved did not fertilize. My periods returned approx 10 months after chemo and I believe I stopped the tamoxifen after about a year and a half to TTC again. The fertility specialist thought I would have as much chance conceiving on my own and that IVF would not be helpful. Two years later... I was contemplating using a donor egg but unsure due to high cost.
And then whamo... the cancer returns (42 now). Initially they thought it was "just DCIS" so I was hoping that treatment would be complete with mastectomy and I could go with egg donor. Now I find out it is invasive (and aggressive grade) so likely will need to go back on tamoxifen but awaiting Oncotype DX tests and need an axillary dissection surgery to decide on chemo.
Just feeling really hopeless right now because I feel like I have nothing to live for because I really just so much want to be a mom. Not sure if adoption would be an option at all due to recurrence.
:-(
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Hi! I know it's been years since this thread has been active... but I'm curious what came of your story? I see from your profile picture you had a little one!! Congratulations!! I just turned 38 and have been considering having a child before I get much older, but I am on tamoxifen and I didn't think it was an option. I was diagnosed in 2014, bilateral mastectomy in Nov 2014.. so I haven't been on tamox too long. I haven't discussed having a child with my oncologist yet, but she said I should have no problem after the five years (we discussed prior to taking tamox, referred me to a fertility specialist and my ovaries look great).
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Velo, I'm sorry to hear about the reoccurrence. We had a similar cancer and our chemo treatment was the same. I wanted to write to tell you not to give up hope of becoming a mom. I live in the US but a close friend of mine has Stage 4 thyroid cancer (our age) and she found a way to privately adopt! It does happen! Wishing you the best!
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Hi Hope,
Best wishes to you as well! Sounds like you were on the Tamoxifen a bit longer than I was so hopefully the will bode well for you in terms of not having a recurrence.
Keep me posted how your quest to motherhood goes!
Tanya
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Hi Beyondboobies (love the tag!)
Thanks for the congratulations. I'm now 44 with a gorgeous, frustrating, lovely 4 year old boy. Having come to the end of my 5 years on tamoxifen, I'm debating whether to try for a second child. I think perhaps I won't, it feels a little bit too much like tempting fate having had my little miracle given that I'll need IVF again. Still thinking about it though! Good luck with your decision and planning. It might be worth discussion with your oncologist temporarily coming off tamoxifen to try for a child before your treatment is complete, tamoxifen holidays are becoming more and more common.
Congratulations to all of you who have taken this difficult path and are expecting. Such wonderful news!
For those still trying, sending you a big big hug and hoping that you get everything you want and deserve.
Take care
Lisa x
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hi just wondered if somebody could help. me and my husband were trying to conceive before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I'm also 40 nearly 41 and time is quickly running out been trying to conceive for 6 months. on tamoxifen only for three months or so, is it safe to stop taking tamoxifen so early or after ive finished radiotherapy. I'm so confused not sure what to do.
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Dear plenarose, Welcome to the community. We are sorry that you are facing these tough questions but glad that you reached out here. We are hoping that others will offer their ideas here soon. We do suggest that you consult with your treatment team and discuss your options with those who know your situation and can best advise you. Here is some information on our main site on Pregnancy after Treatment. It may not answer your direct question but we hope it will offer you additional thoughts. Keep us posted. The Mods
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it's been a while ladies. Annnd IM PREGNANT! Quick rundown for those grasping at straws or searching for hope.
Dx oct 2011.
Chemo finished April 12 herceptin finished Dec 12
tamoxifen with lupron for 3 yrs (also note ladies-never be tested for amh on these. Mine was .12 and I thought I'd never be a mom again.)
Stopped lupron periods came back 6 months later.
Stopped tamoxifen
Tried for a year...nothing
Tested amh on no meds...whopping 3.7 perfect egg quality after 6 rounds of chemo
Had a blocked tube. Which is surprising since I have a little girl 5 yrs old
Onc cleared for ivf
Ivf Dr has special protocol for bc patients
Successful on first round
TWINS!!!!!
I hit 5 years cancer free in oct 2016
Babies due in jan 2017.
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congratulations tatasister
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Congratulations tatasister!!!
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Great news, tatasister, congratulations!! We're super happy for your pregnancy!
Warm wishes,
The Mods
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Plenarose - I'm not sure if you are saying that you've been trying to conceive for six months while on tamoxifen, but if so, that's not a good idea. It can cause horrible problems for your future baby. As for whether it's safe, you should have an open discussion with your oncologist. At my hospital, it's at least two years before you can stop to try for a baby. Best of luck in making these difficult decisions.
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Well, I picked up my very first bottle of Tamoxifen this week. I plan to start Friday night just to give my body the weekend before going back to work on Monday.
My husband wants me to take if for 3 years and then take a break for (fingers crossed) a baby. I'm 31, 32 in November of this year so that will put me at 35 when we start trying. I just said I am not willing to wait the 5 years. But, I will then have to go back on it for 7 more if we stay on this plan after the potentialbaby.
It's been a hard week. All of my closest friends are now pregnant or already have kids and it seems like everywhere I turn its more pregnancy announcements. And now I've got to force myself to take a drug that won't allow me to have the same. Ugh!!
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also congratulations tatasister- you deserve it!!
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Miranda,
have you consider freezing your eggs before starting tamoxifen?
Just an opinion.
I am 41 and tried fertility treatments a few years ago but was unsuccessful. At this point I have given up but if my odds were better I would have gone through with the process of freezing my eggs. Maybe you should speak to your oncologist. It should put a delay of 30 to 60 days on your treatment. If you had mastectomy done, 30-60 days is not a big problem
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Hi Miranda - I just wanted to say I feel your pain. I had turned 31 two days before being diagnosed. I had been on Tamoxifen/Zoladex since late 2012 and just switched to Exemestane/Zoladex. I plan to stop the treatment very soon to try as I will be 36 in January and to me that is the very latest I wanted to wait. The announcements are the worst. I felt so guilty feeling more sad for myself than I was happy for them....
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