Having Children After Cancer

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.