Pregnant With Cancer

Hello All,

  Well to start off, I Am a 26 yr old woman. Who has had Stomach Cancer Since May'06. Today i just found out that i am about 3 Wks Pregnant And honestly i don't know whether to be Happy or Sad. I don't have any children and nor have i ever been pregant . so this is all new to me. I talked with my Doctor today and he gave me a few options. 1.) I can Terminate the Pregnancy... OR 2.) i can stop the Chemotherapy now and wait untill after my 1st Trimester to start again.. by this time the baby's organs would be developed.I am really Scarred sand confused. I do not believe in Abortions at all !. but U dont know if i could live with myself and my child will come into this world with defects or cancer like myself. I have done some research on Google about " pregnant woman with cancer" and there are cases where these woman have had PERFECTLY NORMAL BIRTHS . I am Really confused and dont know what to do right now. can someone give me a few words of advice ?

Although I can't say I truly know your experience since I have never been pregnant, I can sympathize with your dilemma. It is a terrible thing to have cancer and be responsible for your own health but now you have the health of your baby as well just makes it unthinkable. In the end I think it will come down to what you are able to live with. Since you've stated that you don't believe in having abortions, then try starting there. If you don't have one then what are your options? Ask your doctor. If he/she thinks it's safe to suspend chemo until the third trimester then he/she must not think it will affect the baby adversely. Just in case ask for a second, third opinions until you are confident you understand the risks in any choice you make. In the end it the choice will be what at the end of the day you can be at peace with. I wish you well and I hope it works out for you and your baby.

I was diagnosed with metastatic stomach cancer in June (33yrs old).  I was 9 weeks pregnant.  I was not given a choice to keep the baby. I was told by the professionals that there is a high chance of having a spontaneous abortion whilst on chemo, which can create complications due to excessive bleeding.  Also, being pregnant caused my cancer to progress rapidly..and the cancer symptoms became more acute... 

Like yourself, I am totally against abortions, I was forced by staff in a catholic hospital....they even sent me elsewhere to have the termination.  But I am thankful now for the outcome, as I may now have another year on this earth to spend with my 3yr old, and I will only be leaving my partner a single father of one rather than two....

 Im not sure what stage your cancer is at, but you may want to find out as much as possible before making your decision.  

Are you going to be able to provide long term care for your baby? (I pray to GOD that you will be able to).     Could being pregnant make your cancer progress faster whilst you are not on chemo?   Is it better to concentrate on your health first , so as you can enjoy a baby when you are cancer free and see him/her grow up? 

Every day I look at my child and start crying because I know I wont get to see him grow up, and I know he will be without his mother soon. I wouldnt wish that on anybody else, as it is truly heartbreaking.

But, if you decide to have your baby...best of luck and I wish you good health  

 

Wow - I don't know what to say.  I'm truly sadened.  Stay positive though, there is a chance that you can beat the odds.  My 65 yr old father is battling this sickness now and I am still hopeful that he will beat it..

You would be surprised as to how strong the human mind is..