I am a 31 year old who was diagnosed with melanoma in September 2006. I was about 12 weeks pregnant at the time. I have undergone two surgeries since then. One to remove the mole on my calf and two lymph nodes After a microscopic amount of cancer was found on my sentinel lymph node, I had a groin dissection to remove 6 additional lymph nodes. These all came back negative for cancer. Right now I am a Stage 3.
I have yet to have a CAT or PET scan because of the pregnancy. I am due to deliver in about 4 weeks and will have the scans then. I am scheduled to begin interferon treatment (assuming the scans come back OK) after I deliver in March.
I have been searching the internet for information regarding the interferon treatment and breastfeeding. Initially my oncologist thought I would be able to nurse and have the treatment at the same time. Now, no one is sure. Most of the information I have found states that the risks during breastfeeding are unknown and breastfeeding should be avoided if receiving interferon.
I really would like to be able to nurse my new baby because I think it may help with the emotional issues that I am without a doubt going to go through during treatment.
Does anyone have any information or suggestions regarding breastfeeding and interferon treatment? One of my options is to wait to begin treatment after a few months of nursing the baby. I have already had to delay treatment because of the pregnancy and I am not sure if a few more months would matter. If anyone has been in a similar situation, I would appreciate any feedback, even if it is not what I want to hear.
Hoping for the best
Kelly