Pregnancy after radiation???

Unfortunately, your rad onc is correct.  It would be highly unlikely that your ovaries would function after radiation treatment.  I was headed into menopause when I began my treatment, but was feeling like a period was coming on right before I had my 1st. zap.  It didn't happen and once I had that first treatment, all the PMS symptoms I had been having were gone.  I have never had a period since then.  I do not know of any woman who has undergone this treatment who has conceived afterwards.  However, one suggestion I would make to you is to ask your gynecologist about the feasibility of having surgery to move your ovaries up out of the radiation field.  I know a woman who had this done prior to the start of her treatment.  What I do not know is whether or not she was able to get pregnant after treatment was over, as she dropped off of the forum where I met her.  Of course, there is no guarantee that this procedure would preserve ovary function, but it would be worth asking about.

Phoebesnow said:

Tx

Wow, that's all I can say about your team.  I have kaiser and they explained everything.  I went to City of Hope for a second opinion.  I was so glad I did, kaiser tried to short me on the second round of chemo by not giving me the second dose of Mito.  I told them I wanted to go with the recommended guidlines set up by the City of Hope and that they had originally said they were giving.  U need to know everything.  There are chemo shortages now.  U don't want to substitute.  even the machines that are  administering the tx is important.  

 

Do u have someone who loves u to go to these apps with you.  I recommend that you read Theresa Mayhews book, so u can be fully prepared.

 

I was dx 9/27 and tx started 11/1. 

 

Some plans will help pay for the harvesting and latre for the invitro.  I do think u can carry the baby, but u need to talk to your doc about this.

 

I am very concerned for you.  U need to do all the research u can.  You need to be pro active.  You can not trust that the doctors know what's best for you.

 

I am so glad youfound this group.

This is an amazIng group for so many things.  Cancersupportcommunitybenjamincenter.org.  Phone number 310 314 2555.

They offer so many services and workshops and free goods and services.  They might be able to help you harvest your eggs.

I am in west L.A.

LFTTF said:

Thank you

Yes I do agree. And I have been trying to do as much research as possible and just knowing there are other options I was not told about makes me angry.  I have already started the process to get seen at another facility.  I'm just waiting on replies back.  And yes, my boyfriend has been amazing through all of this.  His office is working with him so he can be here with me at every appointment which he hasn't missed one.  Very greatful to have someone like him. And i'm very grateful to have found this site this early! I don't think I would be this empowered if I did not find this site and hear from you all and your advice.

Suzzett

One facility worth checking out might be University of California/San Francisco.  I know of a couple of people through my other blog site who have seen Dr. Berry there and think he is absolutely wonderful.  Check out the website I have given you below for more information.

http://id.medicine.ucsf.edu/analcancerinfo/about.html

After reading your post about the doctors you have already seen, I agree that you need to seek a second opinion.  Having doctors who are unfamiliar with this cancer is not in your best interest.  I was not treated at a major cancer center, but my doctors have all been top-notch and very knowledgeable about this disease.  With this chemo/radiation treatment, you do not get a do-over if it's not done right.  Therefore, it's critical that you get the correct treatment.  I may have already recommended this site to you, but if not, I would suggest that you go to it, register, then print out the guidelines for treatment of anal cancer.  This will give you lots of good information about the most current treatment and follow-up.  The link is www.NCCN.org.  Being well-informed about your disease will only work to your benefit, as you can ask the right questions and get a feel for how familiar your docs are with the protocols. 

Please keep us posted on how your quest for a second opinion goes.  I think you are doing the right thing.

Marynb said:

LFTTF
I think you are doing the right thing. You can do a little research. Cancer hospitals are Ranked. Here is a link for you to get to the best place that you can. http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer

It really matters where you go. I know that some people could not go to a reputable place due to finances. That may be the case for you, I don't know. In more reputable centers, they have the state of the art equipement and the best doctors. I do know that one of the best places in the country for anal cancer is University of San Francisco. Other than that, look and see how the hospital near you is rated. Looks like depending where in California you are, UCSF Medical Center, then Stanford Hospital, then City of Hope in LA.

Under your circumstances, you need to be at a hospital that can treat you in a wholistic way.

Stay strong! Now that the initial emotional shock is past, you can better make decisions.

I think that the word "reputable" here is a bit charged.  I am one of those people who had no choice about where to be treated because of my insurance and personal and financial circumstances.  Is the implication here that all other doctors and hospitals are disreputable?  That they are simply not worthy of the education, credentialing and accreditation that they have?  This is what I know (and I know I've said it before)  -- I was treated in my home town last fall and I don't have cancer now.  I think my doctors knew what they were doing.

I do agree with your listing of California hospitals for cancer treatment.  In a ridiculously ideal world we'd all be going to one of them for treatment.

jcruz said:

I think that the word "reputable" here is a bit charged.  I am one of those people who had no choice about where to be treated because of my insurance and personal and financial circumstances.  Is the implication here that all other doctors and hospitals are disreputable?  That they are simply not worthy of the education, credentialing and accreditation that they have?  This is what I know (and I know I've said it before)  -- I was treated in my home town last fall and I don't have cancer now.  I think my doctors knew what they were doing.

I do agree with your listing of California hospitals for cancer treatment.  In a ridiculously ideal world we'd all be going to one of them for treatment.

 

I, too, was treated in my hometown at the local hospital (which is affiliated with a large hospital system).  I feel that I received excellent care there with state of the art equipment.  I don't believe any of my doctors are named as "experts" in the treatment of anal cancer, but their knowledge is extensive and they knew what they were doing.  I am close to being a 5-year survivor.  There are lots of survivor stories about getting excellent care close to home, which I believe has its advantages.  Primarily, for a lot of people, a support system of family and friends is already in place, causing less stress and resulting in more needed assistance.  I think that plays a role in successful treatment.  Personally, if I had been staying in a strange place in a hotel room or lodge facility for cancer patients, it would have been a disaster.  I think emotionally, I would have been a complete mess.  Anyone diagnosed with this disease needs to make sure their doctors are well-versed on treatment and follow-up and that their hospital or treatment facility is state of art.  All that said, I think for cases of advanced disease or complications, the whole decision process changes. 

Marynb said:

Jcruz
Jcruz. . By reputable, I mean reputable. A small town hospital could be prefectly reputable! I did not say the best hospitals, or the hospitals most highly ranked. Of course, I would recommend that every patient get to the best place that they can. This requires research so decisions can be made. Of course there are lots of factors. I decided to travel 2 hrs. each way everyday in one of the worst New England winters in recorded history because the hospitals in the state where I live are infamously bad, and not even minimally reputable.

Sorry to say that there really are some hospitals that are not reputable, have had accreditation pulled or questioned, etc. I do wish it were true that all doctors and all hospitals were at least reputable, but they are not. Comes from my work on medical malpractice cases. Buyer beware!

Yesterday was a bad end to a very bad week.  I've been feeling like my nerves are on the outside of my skin and everything makes me jumpy right now.   I should have known to step away from the keyboard.  I like reading your posts and admire the strength I see when I read them.