Post Chemo and Children

[sjbug]

I was diagnosed in Jan 2005 with tc. I underwent the standard 3 rounds of chemo and also had a post chemo RPLND at IU in 7-2005. For the past year and a half I have been doing great. My question is, now my wife and I want to try for our third and probably last child. I banked sperm before chemo. Should we try naturally, or would you all recommend using the banked sperm? This is a VERY DIFFICULT decision for us as we are scared for any possible birth defects from the chemo. What are the chances?

[Scott]

I'd go ahead and try to conceive naturally first. According to this TCRC page, "...experts do not believe that chemo has any effect on the quality of the sperm or causes congenital defects in children conceived after undergoing chemotherapy."

[sjbug]

Thanks Scott for the resource page. That helps alot!! You are awesome!

[Jilleighn]

Try naturally first!!! When my husband was diagonised we had to start Chemo right away. We did not bank at all because of the time crunch. This was Aug/Sept. 2004. He finished his treatment in Nov 2004. We have been trying for another kiddo since our daughter turned 1 which was Feb 2004. We have had no luck. Eric was then diagonised with TC and that blew it out of the water. His Oncologist kept telling us to wait til 18months-2years post treatment most men get sperm back. I was really giving up hope. Then on 2 years to the date of my husband news that he was in remission we found otu we were expecting again. I am now 16weeks pregnant and loving it.