Abstract
With advances in cancer treatment, increasing numbers of patients are becoming long-term survivors. A concomitant interest in quality of life for cancer survivors has developed. For patients of childbearing age, reproductive capacity and the ability to build a family is a significant survivorship concern [1–3]. Unfortunately, many cancer treatments compromise fertility, reducing the likelihood that these men and women will be able to conceive or carry children naturally. Infertility can impact self-esteem, identity, and body image; complicate intimate relationships; devastate plans for parenthood; and cause significant, on-going distress [3–6].
When first diagnosed with cancer, patients suddenly face a million choices and are asked to make decisions that may have a life-long impact. That moment came for us in June 2006 when Ruth was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a month before her 29th birthday. At our first appointment Ruth’s oncologist told us that infertility was a possible side-effect of the chemotherapy regimen and asked if we needed to incorporate that concern into her treatment plan. Since we had hoped to start a family soon, we greatly appreciated the question and sensitivity.
We successfully banked embryos and Ruth was able to start treatment on schedule. We were fortunate. At every stage of the process our medical professionals were aware of options that could help us as a young couple facing cancer together. Over the past ten months of Ruth’s treatment, we have met or heard of other young adults whose stories tell of how unique our fertility experience has been and how much work there still is to do.
We take real comfort in knowing that when we are ready to start a family, we still have options.
Parker, Husband of Adult Cancer Survivor
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Kelvin, J.F., Reinecke, J. (2012). Institutional Approaches to Implementing Fertility Preservation for Cancer Patients. In: Quinn, G., Vadaparampil, S. (eds) Reproductive Health and Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 732. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2492-1_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2492-1_13
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