So last Wednesday I had a unilateral laparoscopic oophrectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation…basically I had one of my ovaries whipped out and stuck in the freezer 😉
Just to be clear not everyone who has chemotherapy and radiotherapy becomes infertile but the chemo drug that I will be having and where the radiotherapy is targeting means that I definitely will have early menopause. So I was offered the opportunity to speak with the fertility specialist and I did even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to. The reality is that I don’t know if I want children ever, I certainly don’t right now. For the most part I find children quite annoying and whilst I think babies are cute, they certainly don’t make my heart or my uterus skip a beat. But, I didn’t think I would have to decide at 29 what I may or may not want to do at 39 (or whenever) and all of a sudden I’m just supposed to make all these huge fertility decisions about something I don’t even know I want!? Now, the harsh reality (as anyone who has ever gone through IVF will know) is that the success rate is pretty low for all fertility options but after speaking with the specialist I decided to go for the ovarian tissue preservation, whereby they remove and store the necessary tissue which can then be transplanted back in after being 5 years cancer free. This means that if it did work eggs could be harvested for IVF and that some or complete hormone function may return. I figured if I do nothing I WILL get the menopause so I may as well try something and if it doesn’t work then at least I gave it a shot! So incredibly lucky to be in a position to make such choices and to have the #nhs which means I get offered free healthcare which goes way beyond simply making me better but aims to improve my quality of life!
#forevergrateful #cancer #cancersucks #fertility #ovaries #ovariesbeforebrovaries #gynaecologicalcancer
Featured image courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/zoebuckman/
Jesus Rosie. This is written so clearly and each step is well explained, but I can imagine this didn’t always feel like it was the case. I am very inspired by your bravery, both in sharing your story so openly and in continuing on the course the way you have done despite such sensitive material. I want to add however, that my admiration is very much directed at you as a person as I’m aware how easily the Big C can take over peoples perspectives of someone. I’m rambling a little here but really I just wanted to say bravo and I can’t wait to read your next posts. Xxx
Thanks Hannah, that’s lovely! You are in fact one of the people who inspired me to speak out, so thank you for that too! x