Having Children After Cancer (eBook)

Yes, you can have children after cancer.  When faced with a cancer diagnosis, many doctors and patients rush full-speed ahead into treatment, giving minimal attention to the potential fertility implications. Luckily, the field of oncofertility is growing quickly, and medical writer Gina Shaw, herself a cancer survivor, is ready to unravel the complex and evolving issues involved in pre- and post-cancer fertility and family-building options—for both men and women. Having Children After Cancer gives you all the tools you need to:Understand how different cancers can affect fertilityIdentify which treatments―chemo, radiation, and surgery―can potentially impair your fertilityDiscuss fertility-sparing treatment options with your doctorSelect the fertility preservation method that’s right for you—from freezing eggs, embryos, and sperm to preserving ovarian tissueAnalyze the chances of getting pregnant—using natural methods and with in vitro fertilizationDeterminethe best time to get pregnant (and which drug therapies to avoid while doing so)Have a healthy post-cancer pregnancyNavigate surrogacy and what to tell prospective candidates about your medical historyConsider adoption and learn about survivor-friendly adoption programs and countriesFind sample medical letters and other insurance-company red-tape busting information Think through the implications of mother- and fatherhood after cancerFigure out how to talk to your children about the big CWith a foreword by top oncologist Hope Rugo of the UCSF Cancer Center, this first and only cancer-and-fertility guide for patients and survivors will allow you to be your own best advocate throughout the journey.