Navigating fertility while facing a cancer diagnosis is scary—really damn scary. Having cancer is something that no one ever prepares you for in life. But you know what you’re also never prepared for in life? A doctor telling you that your fertility may be affected by your cancer treatment, which is essentially saving your life.
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 28 in the ICU of a subpar hospital, with subpar doctors, and given a grim prognosis. Disclaimer: this was my first hospital. I was lucky enough to be transferred to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where my life was saved. My original prognosis went along the lines of, “Hey, your cancer has spread to every organ in your body, and we can’t treat you. You should look into freezing your eggs, but you’ll probably have to go on hospice, so also probably not an option.” I’m sorry, what? Unfortunately, I went into respiratory failure a little after that (or before? Chemo brain), so I wasn’t able to freeze my eggs before chemo.
I’m going to hit you with ALL of the resources for egg freezing because it’s a lot, and it’s expensive—unless, of course, you have Cadillac-style insurance. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t able to do egg freezing pre-treatment, but I want you all to know that you DO have the option to do it after (consult your doctors first, obviously). I also want you to remember one thing: a lot of fertility specialists will give you the worst-case scenario. I froze my eggs a few times post-chemo. The first doctor I went to didn’t even want to do it. He said I probably wouldn’t even get any. I left crying. The second doctor said, “F*ck it, you beat cancer, you can do anything.” Absolute facts.
Forget the statistics—what are the odds of you getting cancer in the first place? Exactly. Super low. And guess what? You beat those odds. Most of my cancer friends have gone on to have babies, all naturally, without even needing their frozen eggs. As for me, I haven’t tried to get pregnant yet (lol), so I’ll keep you posted on my story!
So, here are some resources to get you started. Livestrong is one of the best organizations ever! They will even set you up with a nurse navigator.
1. LIVESTRONG Fertility Reach out to them first
- Offers financial assistance and fertility preservation education for cancer patients.
- Helps connect you with fertility clinics and discounts on treatments like egg freezing.
- Website: LIVESTRONG Fertility
- I used Livestrong AFTER cancer treatment, and they were absolute angels. They will set you up with fertility clinics that offer discounted rates for those that have/had cancer. They are incredible.
2. Fertile Hope by the Oncofertility Consortium
- Provides information and resources for cancer patients concerned about fertility.
- Works with healthcare professionals to help patients navigate fertility preservation options.
- Website: Oncofertility Consortium
3. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
- Offers a directory of resources for cancer patients exploring fertility preservation.
- Provides support groups and advocacy for fertility-related issues.
- Website: RESOLVE
4. American Cancer Society (ACS)
5. The Alliance for Fertility Preservation
- Works to increase access to fertility preservation services for cancer patients.
- Helps patients locate clinics and financial aid programs.
- Website: Alliance for Fertility Preservation
Financial Assistance
1. Verna’s Purse
- Provides financial aid for fertility treatments for those impacted by cancer.
2. Heart Beat Program by EMD Serono
- Provides discounted fertility medications for women undergoing fertility preservation before cancer treatment. I used them AFTER cancer treatment.
- Website: EMD Serono Heart Beat Program
3. Compassionate Care Program by Ferring Pharmaceuticals
- Offers financial assistance for medications used in fertility preservation. I used them AFTER cancer treatment.
- Website: Compassionate Care Program
Navigating fertility during and after cancer treatment is tough, but you’re tougher, I promise! Remember: you’re not alone, and there are resources and people out there ready to help you. So many of my cancer friends have had beautiful babies post chemo, and you will too. Hope this helps!
Xo always,
Your once full of Lymphoma Barbie
