The saga continues...

Hi gang. Just had to update you all... My chemotherapy includes Cytoxan, which has a nasty side effect - infertility! Oh my word! So after having my organs rearranged to get healthy so I can carry a child because all my doctors said I was way to heavy and would have too many complications... I'm now faced with, "Will I be able to get pregnant after chemo?" Ugh! So, to help salvage my chances (only 35%) we are having to go through a fast track infertility treatment so they can harvest my eggs (great, I'm a chicken on power feed), fertilize them with my husband's sperm and freeze them for later implantation once I get the all clear from Dr. Dax (oncologist). Some day... later this year, I hope to report that my eggs recovered (because they WILL be damaged) and I'll soon be growing a healthy baby in my "belly", but who knows.. I could be trying to grow a healthy baby in my sister-in-law's "belly"... she said, "think of it as babysitting for 9 months", when Eric got the "I don't know how I like that idea" look on his face when she offered. So, now, here I sit.. waiting for my cycle to start so I can do injections for 14 days straight, so I can go in for a mini operation... so I can have a 35% chance for a baby incase the chemotherapy (I'm oh so not looking forward to because of the nasty side effects) leaves me with zero chance for a child. Oh.. and to put the icing on the cake (ok bad pun for ex-overweighters) I have BRCA1 mutation.. so a breast replacement and ovarian extraction are 100% in my future. On the bright side.. I broke 200! I'm 199 pounds. I keep messing it up and saying 299! just not use to the "ONE" in the beginning! I've been reading and I'm really happy for all doing so well. Other than my trials with cancer, Eric and I are "feeling" great - more energy, more smiling, and activities are much more fun. 'Til next time.... live it up! you never know what tomorrow brings. Tina

Tina - Well, you have managed to put things in perspective for me! I admire your strength and the fact that you have managed to hold on to your sense of humor. None of us knows what the future holds and you are so right to say we need to live each day to the fullest. You are young and strong and I truly believe that you will be a Mommy when you emerge from this challenging chapter in your life. Keep thinking positive thoughts, sweetie, and I will keep you and Eric in my prayers. Hugs, Sandy

Tina, ((( HUGS ))) I think of you so often. I'm so glad you popped in to post. I'm so sorry to hear of the chemotherapy's side effect of infertility. I can share my personal story with infertility with you. It took me almost seven long years to get pregnant with my four year old Tatum. And on the seventh year, I gave up. Hubby and I started completing papers to become foster parents with hopes of adopting. It was then that I heard of three all natural herbs: Damiana, Dong Quai, and royal jelly. I took these three herbs and got pregnant the first month! My sister in law was undergoing intrauterine insemination at the time. She had already three failed attempts. She took the herbs and got pregnant her first month too. There are so many uncertainties when it comes to the future. Yes, cytoxin has a side effect of infertility, but maybe a miracle can still happen. ((( HUGS ))) All it takes is once. I can understand Eric's funny face about his sister carrying your baby, but isn't that nice of her to offer! When we were looking into that option, no one in our family would have stepped up. So even though it gives him the "ickies" (and it would my hubby too), it was so nice of her to offer. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! ((( HUGS )))

Hey Tina With everything going on, you sound really good. Welcome to ONEDERLAND! I'm glad you and Eric are feeling good and it sounds like you are on top of everything concerning the chemo and the fertility treatments. I hope it all goes well, and as before, I'll keep putting in a good word for you with the Man upstairs. (((HUGS))) ~Sue

Soooo glad to hear from you. I think about you often! Sounds like you have a GREAT plan for the future. That is soooooo important! And, just for the record, I believe BIG TIME in miracles!!! So glad that you and Eric are doing well in the weight loss department. Hope it continues. PLEASE let us hear from you from time to time. Love and hugs, Pam