Wilbur the super baby!
Having cancer throws you into a world of unknown, something you learn to navigate over time. For me one of the largest unknowns was the effect the cancer treatment would have on my fertility. For the first time in my life I found myself sitting in a fertility clinic discussing my options, prior to my treatment. It all happened so quickly but something that myself and my partner had made clear was of importance to us from the beginning. We shared this desire with my healthcare team who at times weren’t always understanding.
It is in such places that you discover there are many options and fertility specialists who are experienced with cancer. However some decisions need to be made prior to cancer treatment so oncologists do need to be made aware early on of any decisions you may wish to make about the future of your family. At a time when it feels so much has already being taken from you the added upset of your fertility potentially being lost is incredibly hard.
I am extremely passionate about self advocation and empowering yourself with knowledge of your body and the journey you are on with it. Therefore the predict study was powerful for me when navigating the negotiations of fertility treatment/ cancer treatment breaks with my team. Understandably oncologists are nervous when discussing pregnancy after cancer, partly due to lack of up to date knowledge with studies such as predict. After all despite living in a ‘risk’ bubble for the previous two years the balance of life had become really important to me after diagnosis.
Thankfully my fertility was completely unaffected by cancer treatment, something which I do not take for granted as I am very aware this is not the case for all individuals. Pregnancy was a little more eventful, it enhanced some existing side effects and introduced some new friends for good measure! Some aspects gave midwives some cause for concern but also meant we were monitored closer which bought reassurance. My life is nothing if not eventful.
In July we welcomed our beautiful super baby Wilbur! He fits in like the missing puzzle piece into our lives, motherhood is a gift I will never take for granted. Pregnancy has restored confidence and appreciation for my body, a body that for some time I felt had malfunctioned and failed me. Wilbur is living proof that I can still do amazing things, I am grateful today and always that he is here and has been such a huge part of the healing process.
Fertility and pregnancy after cancer is not something that is a concern for all, having children is a very personal decision. For those who wish to start and/ or extend their families I urge you to ask the questions, challenge the assumptions and always hold on to hope after cancer.