2nd Opinion

 

Good to hear from you. I found a few links as to Cytoxan and Taxotere that you might want to take a look at. Lori had both, but she had no concerns as to the effects of having more children. She feels that she is in menopause now, due to the chemo.

Nancy

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final decision is always up to you. It is your body, your life. You get to make that decision based on the information that you research. There are many many gals on this site who have not had that wonderful opportunity to have children. I believe I can understand that. Having 5 daughters has been the joy of our lives.

 

I believe those were the percentages that were given to Lori when faced with the decision of having or not having chemo. However, her tumor was (they thought), 5cm, and another behind the nipple area. She did not have node involvement, and they got clear margins. Lori was refusing to have chemo, and her oldest sister did not want her to put that poison in her body. Lori was terrified to have chemo. She did, and now we have to believe that the cancer is gone. If you could see her now, she is vibrant and is so healthy, and is trying to get on with her life. Will having the chemo affect Lori later in life? Only time will tell. She had Adriamyicin also.

 

It was not my intent to scare you with the links to the chemos. They are out there to inform you. I know what your Mom is feeling right now. I really do. She just wants her daughter to be cancer free, and to live to be an old lady. That's all any parent would want. How much time do you have before you have to make the decision? Have you really done all the research you need to do?

 

Heather (myjourney) did IVF and now she is taking chemo. Perhaps you might want to pm her. Also, you can start a new topic just to ask the gals who have not had children, how they arrived at their decision as to chemo.

 

I just Googled Christina, and they don't say what type of bc she has. If it is IDIS, then that is probably why she would be just having rads, and not chemo. Just keep researching Gina, and when you have made your decision it will be right for you. You will know. Lori did.

 

Many hugs sweetie,

Nancy

 

 

 

 

 

 

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You never let anyone down. I am a mother of two wonderful children whom I do not believe will ever have children - I would bet the farm they will not (great loss to the world - but then I am prejudiced!) They are kind and nurturing, intelligent, loving, and with humor in their hearts (so necessary when considering having a child). They include me in their lives, share their experiences, call for advice regarding my "grandpups", first call is to me when their "little ones" are out of sorts, we talk about going to "school" (my son's little guy should be in reform school he is so bad, one belongs in finishing school, and one should be in remedial classes), report on the vet visits. I get to buy toys, clothing, baby-sit when they go on vacation....YUP..for all intents and purposes I have taken on another role in their lives and if no one ever calls me "nana" (my preference if anyone cared or could actually talk), then the furious wags of their tails, kisses, and when they crawl on my lap to be cuddled.....sure makes me feel how I imagine a "nana" might.  I even have playpens (to keep Chihuahuas safe from the huge feet of my 120 pound German Shepherd).

 

I love their fur babies because they love their babies....we have another common thing to love which still widens the circle of family - so these members have tails and fur (no discussions about who they look like) - mind you my daughter's one has a stubborn disposition just like my husband!

 

I was buying winter coats for them (we are in the east and we have very cold winters) and my husband was taken back by the price of the clothing (as all men are) to which I promptly replied "Well, at least we don't have to start a college fund ..."

 

A truly sane realist....

 

Connie

 

 

My beloved Paco is with me for a reason...his brothers, sisters, all weigh 65-70 pounds,(he was the largest of the litter). They are working dogs, drug, protection, police departments, etc., AND THEN...Paco who could be a poster dog for the breed with perfect markings, form, hips, EXCEPT Paco is "special". It took me a year to train him to "go" in our back yard, and six more months to go on any other piece of grass but his. He is noise shy, has been attracted to our vacuum since he was a puppy.  He is afraid of the Chihuahuas, has had more private lessons (with German Shepherd trainer) than a concert pianist....I figure it cost me $200 in lessons just for him to figure out "sit and stay". He requires more patience than even Job (he was the guy with all the patience everyone always talks about) and my daughter always says "I am real glad we were born first...because of all his special needs." He was bred for stamina and endurance (his grandmother was grand champion in retrieval over in Germany) - which translates to mean I have one arm 3 inches longer from throwing him things so that he may fetch and satisfy this innate drive!

 

But Paco's special gift is loving and caring for me. Even when the adults in my life could not comfort me when I was most sickest - Paco always knew without words what I needed (from helping me up when I was too weak to speak), to nudging people out of the room when I did not want to visit, from barring people from the room if I was sleeping, or cutting a visit short if he sensed I was tiring (husband could not pick up on the subtle clues - and social convention does not allow the rudeness of asking someone to leave) - but 120 pounds of fur gently telling you the meeting was over leaves no room for debate. 

 

I know someone with colon cancer, and her daughter is so unkind, does not visit, does not help, does not comfort, provide support....and breaks this woman's heart ......believe me her broken spirit would be comforted by the unconditional love, affection, and loyalty of a dog.

 

"Our perfect companions...never have fewer than four feet."

 

So, dear Terri, you already have quite a large brood!

 

Connie