Pregnancy after breast cancer

I was diagnosed in May 1999 with Stage 2 B, hormone receptor negative BC, with 4 of 11 positive nodes. I had a mod rad mastectomy, chemo (Adriamycin, Cytoxin, and Taxol), and radiation. I was 31 years old at the time of my diagnosis.

My husband and I would like to have another child (we have a 5 year old--she was 6 months old at the time of my diagnosis).

I have spoken with my doctors and done some internet research as well. I would like to know your opinion on this issue.

Sarah

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Sarah:  There are women who can (and do) conceive after chemotherapy.  Most oncologists advise waiting at least 2 years after treatment is complete because that is the time that the cancer is most likely to reoccur.  Of course, there is no guarantee that it will not reoccur at a later date but the likelihood goes down with time.  Enclosed is a link that summarizes a research trial in lay terms.  It is fairly informative.  Based on this information, if you intend to try becoming pregnant, you should do so very quickly as fertility declines with age and we don't know the effect chemotherapy may have had on your ovarian function.  Good luck to you. http://www.breastcancer.org/research_pregnancy.html

[sep1102]

Thank you, CCF-RN for the info. I have read that article before and it was very helpful. Does anyone have any more detailed information as to specific cases of women who became pregnant
after having BC--how their pregnancies went, any complications? No complications? The more information I have the better.

Thank you-
Sarah

[lizziecee]

Sarah, if you go to breastcancer.org you will find many young women who have had children after chemo. Hopefully, they will be able to answer your questions. Good luck.
Liz.