Getting pregnant after surviving cancer

I'm a 38.5 year old female and a cancer survivor from colon cancer. Got sick 3 times in 2000, 2003 and 2005.
I had surgery to treat all 3 incidents and preventive chemo. My cancer doctor gave me the OK to go for IVF treatment since I have been cancer free for 4.5 years now.
I had an IVF/ICSI treatment in Sep09 where I had 3 embryos transferred (one 8 cells, one 7 cells and 1 six cells).
I have high FSH levels and leiomyomatous uterus. IVF failed....
One fertility doctor does not recommend surgery for the 2 leiomas I have, but rather try with donor eggs.
Another one recommends surgery or surrogacy. Can you give me ANY help on which route to follow? do not want to give up this dream yet....

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would try to find a way to conservatively remove the fibroids.
There is a new procedure that uses MRI-guided ultrasonic ablation.  This does not require major surgery, but I don't know about fertility rates afterwards.  I don't suppose you would be a candidate for laparoscopy as I'm assuming you've had a few surgeries for your cancer.
IF the fibroids are sub-serosal (in the outer layer of the uterus) there isn't much need to remove them. If they are sub-mucosal, they could cause problems for you.

Secondly, the MOST common reason IVF fails is egg/embryo quality.  I think your ovaries did a beautiful job of producing 3 embryos.  BUT if you really want a baby and you don't want to go through lots more medical procedures, your best bet is to go with donor eggs.  Once you feel that baby kicking you will forget all about his/her DNA!

If its the baby you want, and you feel you can pass on the pregnancy experience ( I LOVED pregnancy although its tough!). go with the surrogate.  Once again, no one cares where the baby came from once they get their hands on the little angel!

I think the most important thing is for you to decide what your real goal is--do you want a baby;(fastest easiest option) do you want to carry and deliver the baby? (that was me) do you want a genetic child of your own (this will take the most time, effort and cost).
In this situation, the end justifies the means!

I hope that some of this thought process is helpful to you!
Good luck and you've come this far--don't quit now!
Dr B