Waiting time before getting pregnant after ABVD

Lymphoma_Survivor
Lymphoma_Survivor Member Posts: 4
in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1

It is now six months since my wife had her last treatment with ABVD. We are striving to have a baby but doctors are saying we have to wait at least one year. Googling our problem didn't help so much as there is no enough researches on this matter. 

Therefore, I hope you will share your experience here.

1- How long did you wait before trying?

2- How long does it take to get pregnant since you started?

3- Did you face any issues? Hope you are all OK with your babies

4- Any advice?

This could be very helpfull database for everyone who is trying to conceive after chemotherapy

Comments

  • Mary from NJ
    Mary from NJ Member Posts: 60
    #2
    This may be helpful to you

    This information may be helpful to you:   http://www.parenting.com/article/having-a-baby-after-cancer
    I suggest making an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss your plans. It may be best to find a gynecologist who deals with high risk pregnancies to know up front that you will have the best care possible. Once you are told there is no evidence of the disease, I would think all should be good.  If I find more information that may be of help, I will forward to you.  Best of luck with your health!  

     

     

     

  • Mary from NJ
    Mary from NJ Member Posts: 60
    #3
    More information for you

    I also found great information at this link if you haven't seen this yet: 

    http://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/having-baby-after-cancer-pregnancy

  • yesyes2
    yesyes2 Member Posts: 591
    #4
    Pregnancy after chemo

    It's fairly common for Oncologists to suggest you wait for at least one year after the completion of treatments.  Most recurrances occure during the first year.  And it takes at least a year for your body to get to where it was prior to chemo.

    I wish you success in your wish to have a baby.

     

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,812 Member
    #5
    Year

    Lymphoma Survivor,

    I would wait two years or longer, not so much from worry about relapse, but from fear of what effects the meds had on her eggs and reproductive trac generally.  Many chemos cause menopause, usually temporary, but sometimes permanently.  The ovaries can be damaged also, even when cycles are normal.  Infertility, either temporary or permanent, are also common.  ABVD is rough, highly toxic stuff (it is the set I myself used).

    As someone above wrote, I would seek out an ob/gyn who specializes in post chemo pregnancy.

     If you go to this link and look up "Fertility," the article is fairly well detailed. I can't tell if it is hyperlinked on this phone.  If it isn't, type in the address manually.

    http://www.chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/default.aspx

  • Lymphoma_Survivor
    Lymphoma_Survivor Member Posts: 4
    #6
    Well ... it is definitely

    Well ... it is definitely hard decision, however we aren't going to give up easily. We cannot keep worrying about relapse. Yes the possibility in the first two years is bigger but the possibility of new cancer type is always there and the fear will never end. 

    Infertility with ABVD is less likely but we understood the risk when my wife started the chemo. Luckily the chemo didn't cause menopause for her. Of course this doesn't mean that ovaries are safe. We just hope so.

    Our main concer is the birth defects. I believe after six normal cycles her ovaries should be clean and all eggs should be new by now.

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 Member Posts: 3,812 Member
    #7
    One last comment

    You believe six cycles will leave her "clean." Based on what ?

    A female is born with her lifetime complement of eggs. Human females do not produce any "new" eggs after birth, ever. That is: the eggs exposed to ABVD are the only eggs she will ever have.

    The link below is from Chemocare.com, which is a public service and information source for cancer patients and their loved ones. It is affiliated with The Cleveland Clinic, one of the best cancer centers in the US.  It states that the reproductive side-effects of chemo often may last for a year or more, and that conception before at least a year is never recommended.

    You asked for opinions, I and many others have thus far replied. Bless your decisions in this matter,

    max

    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/fertility.aspx

  • Lymphoma_Survivor
    Lymphoma_Survivor Member Posts: 4
    #8
    Thanks Max and everyone. I

    Thanks Max and everyone. I will try to get more information about birth defects after ABVD before ttc. I still hope those who were in my wife shoes to share their experience.

     

    Is there anybody who got pregnant after ABVD? when? after or before one year of post ABVD?

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