testicular cancer and pregnancy

[thecatsmeow9]

My boyfriend has testicular cancer and they said he didn't have the sperm to produce children. Well I just found out about a week ago that I'm 7 weeks pregnant. His doctor said that if we continue the pregnancy that the baby will end up being mentally retarded. How true is this? I really wanna keep this baby and could never terminate it. Does anyone have any answers?

[thecatsmeow9]

This is the thing. He has not been treated for it yet. So no Chemo or anything has been done. So thats why I'm not understanding. There is no chance of chemical harm beings that he has not been through chemo yet. So I'm not understanding why his doctor said that to him.

[JoyRenee]

Mikaleen made a great point but the doctor still shouldn't have said what he did.

[spade22]

I agree with mikaleen - I think that the concern might arise from the type of treatment your husband had for the cancer.  Whatever the treatment, this does NOT mean there will be any implications for baby (it might mean that the chances might be a little higher than normal but that depends on the type of treatment etc.)

Just be sure to let your OBGYN know what the situation is and the appropriate monitering can be performed.

[mikaleen]

Has he just recently had chemo or radiation for the cancer?  That might be the concern, as it will damage the sperm...just like when a woman is having chemo or radiation for ovarian cancer it damages the eggs.  That being said I don't think it was his Dr.s place to say that to you guys, and it was a completely inappropriate way to mention any concerns.  If your Dr. has any concerns they will be discussed with you, and since you have every plan to keep the baby anyway it will be more of a session to plan any special care you or the baby may need during birth and after.  I wish you lots of luck, and like everyone else said there is every chance you will have a normal healthy baby.

[mistyk28]

myhusband had testicular cancer and had one of his testicles removed we have 2 girls that are 4 and 5 they are perfectly healthy i wouldnt worry about it :)

[Lissyloo]

id be reporting your doc if i were u that is a load of POOP! congrats on being pregnant btw hun, dont make any decisions about terminating etc until u have gotten ALOT more medical advice from other doctors etc ok, because honestly i think u will most likely have a healthy happy bub and the doc who gave u that advice needs to find a new occupation!

[smjmekg]

Do you know why he said it? Can someone having testicular cancer cause a baby to be mentally handicapped? Either way I think he's an a hole for saying that to you, no one can tell you for sure what your baby will or will not have. My aunt was told her daughter and son would have down syndrome because of a false positive test during pregnancy, both are just fine! Good luck, and I wish you a happy healthy baby!

[JoyRenee]

That's even worse then because Obstetrics isn't his specialty. He should not have said anything to you and just left you in the care of your own doctor. I wish you much luck. I wouldn't worry. Hard not to when he's put this fear into you but the good thing is NO ONE can make you terminate your pregnancy. It's completely and wholly your choice to continue and see just who your baby is going to be!

[thecatsmeow9]

Thank you so much for the reassurance! Its his doctor not mine. I just moved back home and haven't went to a doctor yet. But until I have seen my doctory I just wanted to know if anyone had any advice because Im all shook up about it. But thanks again!

[JoyRenee]

Many people who have cancer can conceive and go on to have perfectly healthy babies. There is no way to know for sure if your child will have a mental handicap or not and I'm ashamed your doctor even said that. I'd find another doctor who is going to work with you, rather than scare you into terminating your pregnancy!

It's your choice. If you don't want to end your baby's life, then don't do it. Sounds like you're on the right track so far. Just find a new doc!