Easing my mind.

Things have set in a bit and of course I have now googled pregnancy after cancer treatments. This is a little something to ease my mind.

Timeframe for Getting Pregnant
Most oncologists recommend waiting 2 to 5 years after cancer treatments finish before trying to achieve pregnancy. The majority of cancers recur during this time, so they want to make sure that you are healthy before allowing you to try to get pregnant. However, everyone’s medical situations are different—some survivors have to wait longer and others are approved for pregnancy much earlier.

For women, it is usually recommended that you wait a minimum of 6 months after treatment. This is because your eggs may be genetically damaged from their exposure to chemotherapy and radiation while they were in the process of maturing. The time required for those eggs to leave your body is approximately 6 months.


Miscarriage Risks
An increased risk of miscarriage after cancer is only a concern for a small percent of patients who had radiation to their pelvic area or some fertility sparing gynecologic surgeries.

Current research does not suggest a higher rate of miscarriage after exposure to chemotherapy or radiation to other parts of the body.

The rate of birth defects in children born to cancer survivors (who have been exposed to chemotherapy and radiation) is the same as the general public, 2% to 3%. There has not been a lot of research done on the subject, but what has been done is very reassuring.

Nick and I are both very cautious about this pregnancy. It was just 2 months ago I finished chemo and radiation. I have already made appointments with my Oncologist to discuss the possible problems this may cause. I have also made an OB/GYN appointment for February 17th.

Until then we will be praying for a healthy baby.