Post-breat cancer fertility

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I posted this message on "health" too, but didn't get much feedback, so thought I would try here.... A very close friend has just been diagnosed with breat cancer stage 1, grade 2 (I think?) and has just had surgery. She is in the middle of figuring out what treatment pattern comes next and a big thing for her is what impact things might have on her fertility (she is 34 and single, but sincerely hopes that she will have children one day.) Does anyone have experience of having chemo and impact on their fertility or having eggs harvested etc before starting treatment. I know that she can get the statistical side of the info from the docs, but it's more the human aspect to help her think things through when she is feeling so vulnerable. Thank you!
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Dh found macmillan and cancer research really helpful websites. Has she been given a Macmillan nurse? DH's macmillan nurse has been invaluable. He sorted everything from his initial appointments, to arranging fertility "storage" for him. Sorry I can't help with specific information for your friend, but my advice to you is to be there when she needs you. Be it as simple as a chat on the phone to attending any appointments, your support is vital, as this is one of the scariest things she will probably have to face. She probably feels VERY alone right now, so your love can help her through. Wish her good luck, and I hope all goes well for her.

You may also want to contact Breast Cancer Care.

My fridnd had lump removed and 9 rounds of chemo and radiotherapy for aggressive breast cancer.
She was 39 and had one child already and wasn't bothered about fertility
BUT 11 mths after treatment she get her periods abck and was told she was ovulating again and could ttc if she wanted - she didn't
I think it si luck, if your friend wanted to make sure she can ask any of the support groups below for advice about methods of saving fertility post cancer
Good luck to your friend xx

My best friend had bone cancer at 17. She was told that after treatment whe would be lucky to conceive ith help, and there was no chance of a natural conception.
She and her DH now have 2 beautiful children, both conceived naturally and very quickly and they are planning on a third.
She had chemo for about 8 months and was completly ravaged by it, she and her DH decided to try for a family very early on in their relationship because of the chances of success!! A bit of a shock for them when it happened so quickly!!
Best of luck and my thoughts to your friend
xx

Hi I had Breast Cancer 5 years ago when I had just turned 30. I found my Breast Care Nurse to be very helpful. She knew I wanted more children (my DD was 8 months at the time) & she arranged for us to go & talk to a specialist about our options. We decided not to go any further & to leave it to nature. We were told that there was a 70% chance that I wouldn't be able to have any more children.
We have been TTC for just under 2 years now. My periods didn't actually stop during chemo, but I was struck down with another serious illness towards the end of my treatment & they did stop. They returned a couple of months later & have been regular ever since which I took as a good sign. I've just had some tests to find out if everything is still in working order & it appears that the chemo hasn't affected my fertility so there is hope that one day it will happen for us.

Your friends Breast Care Nurse & consultant(I found mine to be really understanding & not just facts & figures) should advise her on what her treatment for her Cancer should be. It is the chemotherapy & if any drugs (ie tamoxifen) that can affect the fertility.

She could also ask her Breast Care Nurse if there is a local support group as these can also be really helpful.

I will be sending your friend lots of positive vibes & hope everything goes well for her.