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I'm 32 and Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Can I Still Have Kids After Treatment?

Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |39 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

Dr Nandita Palshetkar is the medical director of Bloom IVF.
She is a pioneer in ICSI, laser hatching, spindle view, oocyte and embryo freezing, IMSI, in vivo vaginal culture, metabolomics, embryoscope and spindle check technologies.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr Nandita is managing 10 centres across India.
She has written over 100 papers, edited 25 books and given over 1,000 lectures and speeches.
She has also won several prestigious awards, including the Dronacharya Award (2021), the Bharat Gaurav Award at the House of Commons in London (2014) and the Inspiring Gynaecologists of India (2018) to name a few.
Dr Nandita completed her MBBS from Grant Medical College and Sir J J Hospital, Mumbai, and her MD in obstetrics and gynaecology from Mumbai University."... more
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 31, 2024Hindi
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Hi Doctor, I’m 32 years old and recently got diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve been advised to start treatment soon, but I’ve always wanted to have kids, and I’m unsure if I’ll be able to have children after this treatment. My doctor mentioned the option of egg freezing, and I’m a little confused about the whole process. On top of that, my partner and I are also thinking about waiting a few more years before starting a family due to career and personal goals. I’m really torn about what to do. Could you help me understand the whole egg freezing process? What are the risks involved, how long does it take, and how much does it cost? Should I freeze my eggs now, or is it okay to wait until later?

Ans: Hello, sorry to hear about your breast cancer, but the best part is breast cancer is curable
Since you are 32 years of age, and you might undergo chemo, radiotherapy which might affect your fertility. So best option is to undergo egg freezing.
Before we start the procedure, we need to know your AMH level (to know your ovarian reserve) and basic blood work up to get your fitness fir the procedure
The procedure normally needs first 15 days of your cycle where you will need to undergo 3 to 4 scans to monitor the egg growth (follicle growth) and injections from day 2 of your periods till the eggs grow and mature
These injections are safe in form of LH OR FSH hormone. It can sometimes cause
Nausea vomit, constipation, mood swings, low abdominal heaviness, breast tenderness.
These are experienced by some.
Once you are ready then you will be admitted as day care procedure and egg retrieval done under short anesthesia. You will be able to go home in 6 to 7 hours.
During this period of stimulation, you can do regular routine work.
Zumba, jumping and heavy activities avoided during stim.
So, freezing your eggs now is a better. Option
If you delay further the quality and quantity of eggs gets hampered.
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |39 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi Doctor, I am Neha, 34 years old, a marketing professional from Mumbai. My job can be pretty stressful at times. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for the past three years without success. Recently, my gynecologist suggested we consider IVF. While I’m open to the idea, I’m also anxious about what lies ahead. Could you please explain what tests and evaluations are required before starting the IVF process? I want to know if these tests can predict the chances of success. Also, considering my hectic work schedule, should I make any lifestyle changes to improve our odds?
Ans: Hello Neha considering you are 34 years, and trying to conceive since 3 years
First of all, you both need to undergo blood test
1) Neha:
CBC, Blood Sugars, Vit B12, Vit D, Liver and Kidney screening, hormonal (TSH AND PROLACTIN), viral markers test and most important AMH LEVEL to know ovarian reserve.
Usg pelvis tp rule out fibroids, ovarian cyst
2) Husband:
Blood Sugars
Semen analysis to know about sperm count, motility.
These tests can give an idea about both. Fertility level and any particular supplements needed and chances of successful pregnancy.
Considering hectic lifestyle certain measures to be taken
1) stress management: yoga, walks, exercise, meditation
2) adequate sleep at least 6 to 7 hours
3) Adequate exercise and walks which releases endorphins , dopamine and good hormones needed for hormone circulation.
4) Good nutrition:
Contains antioxidants
Vit B6, Vit B12, Omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, Vit D, green veggies, fruits, eggs, chicken for protein
5) your gynec will advise certain supplements to be taken for additional supplements.

..Read more

Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |39 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2024Hindi
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My name is Priya, and I’m 36 years old. I work at a school in Pune. My husband and I have recently decided to go ahead with IVF after struggling with unexplained infertility for four years. While I’m hopeful about becoming a mother, I’m also quite nervous about the ovarian stimulation process and the egg retrieval procedure. Could you please explain the potential risks and side effects of these steps? I have read about complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. I want to be as informed and prepared as possible before we start this journey. Thank you for your guidance.
Ans: Hello Priya, since you are 36 years, married since 4 years, primary infertility, yes, ivf is a better option.
Many patients have lots of myths regarding ivf treatment. But with modern injections and process of egg retrieval it's not that difficult as it seems to be.
The injections which have to be given for 10 to 12 days are either intramuscular in the muscle) or subcutaneous (just below the skin). Easy to be taken. We get injections in PEN form too like insulin injection which is easy to operate and can be self-injected. The effects of the injections are till the process. It doesn't have long lasting side effects.
The main side effects:
1) nausea vomit
2) breast tenderness
3) bloating
4) headache
5) mood swings and hot flushes
6) fatigue
7) pain after egg retrieval
8) cramping
9) constipation due to progesterone therapy
10) ovarian hyperstimulation
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when fertility drugs overstimulate the ovaries, causing them to swell and release chemicals into the bloodstream.
Symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain.
Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting.
Blood clots.
Decreased urination.
Shortness of breath.
Tight or enlarged abdomen.
To consult the doctor if above symptoms to decide if need of hospitalization
So, tat investigations and necessary treatment can be done
But with regular ultrasound and modern injections, ohss is become very rare and treatable

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |505 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I am 31 years old and have been married for 6 years. My relatives keep pressuring me and scaring me, saying that I haven’t had a child yet and that I should have one now. However, we are not financially prepared at the moment. We have just bought a house, and the loans have recently started, which exhausted all our savings for the down payment. My husband’s family had a very weak financial background. They had nothing, and he struggled a lot, even living in someone else’s house to complete his education. Only he knows how hard it was. Now, his salary has improved, and I am also employed. Additionally, we are entirely responsible for my in-laws, as my husband’s elder brother neither got married nor provides any support for the parents. We are under a lot of pressure right now, but everyone just keeps asking us when we are going to have a child. I’ve seen how my husband struggled with limited finances when the family was financially weak, and I don’t want to show such hardships to our children. On top of that, I am overweight and focused on losing weight to ensure I can be healthy. I feel very stressed and confused, but my husband is fully supportive of me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First of all, I am really glad that you are being so responsible and practical, rather than making such life-changing decisions based on emotions alone. Second, don't worry about other's opinions; they might have your best interest at heart, but this should be solely your decision. You should have a child only when you are ready to have one- both mentally, physically, and financially. And no hard and fast rule says you should have a child within a certain year of your marriage. Two people in a marriage is a whole family too; a child can add to the joy if that is what you want. But if not, your family is still complete. Please remember that.

Take care of your health and your mind. If you are worried about your age, you can always go see a doctor and see how many years you can delay this. Rushing is never a good idea.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1144 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2025Hindi
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Career
I'm a bsc botany graduate and now got admission and doing msc. I'm in first year and just gave my 1st semester exam but somehow now i feel i can't do botany at all its not just in my interest. I can't continue further with it as i dont think there's much scope too. I have interest in fields like geography or law related subjects. I'll be attempting for upsc too this year and also had a second thought to go for Law. Should i drop the msc? ....I've cried a lot thinking about that and its affecting my mental health too.
Ans: Hello dear.
First I would like to suggest that, in any way, you first complete your M.Sc. (Botnay) either with interest or without interest. Who told you that there is less scope in Botany? There are a lot of career options after M.Sc. (Botany).It is good that you are interested in geography and are attempting UPSC this year. Dear, along with your M.Sc. you can easily appear for UPSC and do the study of Geography, after completing your M.Sc. you can take the admission to Law course. Many people do the law even after their retirement or in due course of their service. There is no need to cry about the things which happened to you.
Suggestions: (1) Completer M.Sc. (Botany) by any means (2) Space-time to read Geography and UPSC Syllabus (3) Develop your overall personality and try to engage in some extracurricular activities of your interest.
Best of luck for your upcoming bright future.

If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

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