Postby GreenLakeGirl » Tue Jul 20, 2021 1:10 am
Please, PLEASE reach out to your surgical team tomorrow. This is not a topic that you can get your own information from the web and wing it.
Rock_Robster, colon surgery CAN impact a woman's fertility, and it's frustrating to see someone suggest otherwise. I just read a statistic that up to 50% of women struggle with fertility after a J-pouch surgery; I don't know any recent stats for colorectal cancer. Doctors don't often mention fertility issues to female patients, which I find so paternalistic. I don't really understand it...maybe they aren't used to diagnosing colon cancer in women of childbearing age; maybe some don't want patients to consider delaying surgery or treatment; maybe it isn't a topic that colorectal surgeons are taught to talk about? Regardless, YOU will have to be the one to address this with your team. Tell them you want to talk to a fertility specialist and ask them your questions yourself.
I was a mom to a 2 year old when I was diagnosed with colon cancer; at the time, we hoped to have a second. After five surgeries, six months of chemo, and two major infections, I wasn't able to get pregnant a second time, and honestly, it was a long recovery time before I was able to ask about my chances. I was already over 35, so that was time I didn't have. My surgeon briefly mentioned post-cancer fertility, but he really downplayed any need for concern. I felt like I needed to be tough and just go straight to surgery, and that it was wussy of me to wait and talk to a specialist or even freeze eggs. My own fault for not being more assertive.
I have seen other doctors since who were surprised that I was wasn't told how hard cancer treatment would be on my body. With each additional abdominal surgery—the first was laparoscopic, but the next three were not—my ovaries and fallopian tubes were moved out of the way for them to get at my small intestines. One of my Jpouch surgeries involved "tacking" my ovaries in place, but I don't know how that lasted over the remaining surgeries. Additionally, radiation (which I didn't have) will certainly impact your fertility.
Granted, my experience is ten years old by now. Maybe things have changed for the better, but please don't ask us when you should be asking a fertility specialist with experience with CRC patients.
2009, age 37 with a 2yo: CC, IIIB (T4N1M0). IBD history
2010-11: FOLFOX, 12 rounds. 5 surgeries (3-step Ileal j-pouch, infection, VATS)
Currently NED.
Mom, you can go the hard way if you want, but the easy way is much easier. ~my 3yo