Ovarian Cancer at 18

[jaja99]

I was diagnosed with OC (germ cell tumor) Stage 1 and went through 4 months of chemo when I was 18.  They had to take one ovary and was able to leave one.  I am now 28 years old (cancer free) and am thinking of starting a family.  What are the chances (very normal mensis) of conceiving with only one ovary? Also, what are the chances of ovarian cancer recurring- or what are the statistics I guess I should say.  Any thoughts?

Want to live cancer-free: Nashville, TN

[bmcd]

Hi,

My daughter was dx with immature teratoma (germ cell cancer) at age 15 and now is 2 yrs. from treatment and cancer free.  She had 4 rounds of BEP chemotherapy.  They removed one of her ovaries as well.  This is what I know. The doctors told me a woman can still produce eggs and therefore concieve with just one quarter of one ovary.  They also told me these "childhood" germ cell cancers rarely recurr.  The one thing nobody knows is what damage the chemotherapy may have done to the eggs/remaining ovary.  Being that she is only 17 at this time, I'm not in any hurry to find out.  The doctors did tell me there is a chance that eventhough she has a remaining ovary, HER chemotherapy may have made her sterile.  Not sure.... Being that I do not know what type of germ cell cancer you were dx with or the chemotherapy you had, I'm not sure if this relates.  Anyway, I hope this helped.

Take Care,
Bob

[nyc lady]

Congrats!!!!! 10 years...that is great news.

You should have no issues conceiving with one ovary.  It takes over functioning for the other, so chances are you still ovulate every month.

The further out from diagnoses the less of a chance of recurrance.  There is also a type of OvCa that is more "common" amongst teens that tends to react very well to surgery and chemo.

Best of luck to you!!!!
Pam