Tamoxifen and pregnancy

[718Brooklyn]

Hello. I was dx at 40 years old with Stage 1 Microinvasive DCIS no positive nodes. It was high grade 3, ER+ PR+ HER2/neu+
I had two lumpectomys, 37 treatments of radiation and began Tamoxifen 2 years ago. I would like to stop the Tamoxifen and give myself one year to try and conceive. It is really my last chance. My oncologist prefer that I wait for five years of remission as well as five years of Tamoxifen. Obviously I do not have the time to wait. I guess my question is based on my history is there anything present that would predict a higher reoccurence rate? I know there is never a way to predict what will happen in the future but i would like to know if I am totally crazy for stopping Tamoxifen as well as any tests if and while I am pregnant at only two years out. Any information would be helpful. Thank you!!

[bluebutterfly2222]

The fact that your DCIS was Grade 3 and Her2+  would probably increase you risk, as I'm sure your oncologist has pointed out.

If you are seriously thinking of disregarding your oncologist's advice (because you want to conceive), at least request a second opinion fron another oncoliogist.

Best wishes...

[lhughes]

I know the want for one more child after cancer.  This is a tough decision.  

Things to ponder and think about...  will you attempt pregnancy natural (not additional hormones with a reproductive endocrinologist)... adding additional estrogens to an estrogen fed tumor area is like pouring gas on a candle...  suppose you do get pregnant and the baby and you are ok...  what happens if you have a recurrance?  What happens if you recur during your pregnancy?  Chemo and pregnancy are two tough orders to handle.  Do you have support for this?  

Are you willing to accept the risks that come with the high hormone levels during the pregnancy that could indeed aggravate your cancer situation?  Is your partner?  What about the rest of your family?

Are you willing to have a child and face the possibility of not seeing him/her grow up?  (ok, that's not the best argument, but I look at that one everyday wondering if I'm going to be here for my kids when they grow up).  

What are other avenues you could explore for having a child...surrogacy or adoption?  

This is such a hard and personal decision to make.  You might consider talking with others via www . pregnantwithcancer . com (they are a website that might give you some more insight).  I spoke with them while I was pregnant and going through breast cancer.  I was already 7 weeks pregnant at diagnosis, though.

I know some of those questions seem lame when really wanting to have a child because most people would do ANYTHING to have a child.  But they are things to consider about your decision.  We aren't guaranteed tomorrow at any rate, but having cancer added to the mix makes the ballgame totally different.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you.

[718Brooklyn]

Thank you both for your response. It is a heavy decision to make. As I do not have any children and would love to have a baby. Bad timing all around!! I think I will get a second opinion. I really appreciate your thoughts!

Best to you both.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thanks for taking the time to acknowledging our replies.

Please let us know your thoughts after the second opinion, if you get one.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best of luck!