Fertility

Do I want to be pregnant?  Yes.  Will I do ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING to get pregnant? No.  Sure it is somewhat emotionally difficult for me to see pregnant women and hearing about friends getting pregnant as I realize my fertility potential is very slim.

I looked for studies that looked at efficiency of megestrol in putting the cancer in remission and success of pregnancy and carrying the baby to term.  The number is low BUT there are success stories.  In the process of investigating my options, I met other women who had endometrial cancer and were trying to get pregnant.  Women with endometrial cancer who are trying to conceive go through rounds.  One round means megestrol for three months followed by a dilation and curettage (D&C) to confirm that the cancer is in remission.  If not, dosage of megestrol is increased for three months.  Then D&C again.  I met a woman who has gone through this for two years.  I have met other women who have done this several rounds.  Dr. Diaz-Montes only will give me one round because she said it's hard on my body and it is risky.  That I do agree with.  If my cancer is in remission, I will be given a window of three months of being off megestrol and to try to get pregnant.  Dr. Hays said I needed to work with a fertility specialist.

Dr. Hays' office sent me brochures and pamphlets about working with a fertility specialist.  I felt overwhelmed.  I have always felt that babies should be produced naturally. If the universe makes it happen, then it's supposed to happen.  I know that many couples have benefited from fertility treatments.  I am happy for them.  I had to slow down and remind myself that I have never been in favor of fertility doctors and treatments.  One... it's costly and often not covered by insurance.  Second, it's an emotional roller coaster.  Third, it can be taxing on the couple's relationship.  Friends were telling me to freeze my eggs for surrogacy.  Surrogacy costs a minimum of $100,000 and is not covered by the insurance.  An in vitro fertilization attempt costs around $10,000.  Several attempts are needed.  Again not covered by the insurance.  I did read all of the information to see if I felt differently because of the cancer.  It was reassuring to see that my perspective has not changed because of the cancer.  I do not want to work with a fertility specialist.  Cancer is already stressful as it is.  I don't need additional stress trying to get pregnant.  I will take the three-month window if my cancer is in remission to try whenever Mike and I feel like it.  It's not going to be, "Mike... you need to deliver like NOW!!!!!" Dr. Diaz-Montes understood my feelings on the matter and was supportive.  I bet if Dr. Hays knew, she would be disappointed.  As Mike would say, "There goes her yacht."