Fertility Preservation Toolkit

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Ana’s Story

Ana's Story - Cancer Fertility Preservation

What is your current treatment state?
Finished all treatments

Did you undergo any fertility preservation treatments?
Yes, Embryo Freezing

Did someone on your healthcare team speak to you about the possible effects of cancer treatments on your fertility?
Yes

Who raised the topic?
A member of my healthcare team did

Was the information you received thorough and helpful?
Yes

When were you told that your fertility might be affected by your cancer treatments?
Before I started active treatment

How did you pay for it?
I used a financial assistance program and I got help paying for it from family\friends

Why did you undergo fertility preservation?
I was 27 and knew that one day I would want to have a family.

Did you become a parent after cancer?
Yes, I became pregnant naturally

Ana’s Story

When I first met with the oncologist for consultation I remember only two things that he said: one was that there was a 40% chance of infertility with chemotherapy that I would need, and two to get a second opinion. The rest was a blur. I was given a small two week window to achieve embryo harvest otherwise it was not recommended that I delay treatment. I don’t remember how I connected with Fertile Hope but they were monumental in helping to fund my fertility-preserving treatment. My family provided the rest of the money. My husband and I were dating (seriously) st the time and he was supportive of the decision to preserve embryos due to higher likelihood of success. I was fortunate to have a successful harvest and embryos were produced leaving me able to focus on chemotherapy and radiation. Once I was “cleared” medically to begin to try to have children (5 years post diagnosis) I was fortunate enough to get pregnant spontaneously. Now, just over 3 years later I have given birth to my second beautiful daughter. The embryos are still banked but always provided a sense of security, that at least I wouldn’t lose the opportunity to become a mother.