Last week I visited my doctor at the clinic to find out more information about my transplant. It will be happening in May. My donor is female and he does not live in Canada. That’s about all I’m allowed to know. Seems strange that this person could potentially save my life and I know nothing about him. I wish I could thank him.
After discussing the details of my transplant my doctor suddenly asked me a question. “When was the last time you had a period?” I haven’t had one since I was first diagnosed back in January. My nurse told me that I may or may not have a period during my treatment and that it might not come back until I’m finished.
Well my doctor straight up told me I won’t have a period ever again. The chemotherapy that I have had so far has damaged my ovaries enough to stop normal ovarian function, which also means I’m infertile. He said that the chemotherapy used to treat AML will usually cause infertility on it’s own but having a stem cell transplant, it’s a done deal. He said that if I was able to become pregnant down the road that it would be considered a “miracle”.
I’ve done some research myself and I had read about that side effect. I read that it was a possibility, not a sure thing. If it was a sure thing someone would have mentioned that to me before I thought. I’m 23 years old and I have no children yet. I’m currently not in a relationship so children are the last thing on my mind at this point in my life. That doesn’t mean I don’t want kids. I’ve always wanted kids. At least 2.
When my doctor first broke the news to me I was somehow calm and accepting of it. The minutes went by and he continued to talk and I couldn’t help but sit there and really think of how this is going to affect my life after I recover. So many thoughts bounced around in my head. I started to cry. It’s not something I’ve told many people. I don’t like talking about it or thinking about it even. I need to focus on getting better and worry about that part when the time is right The important part is getting rid of the Cancer!
One Day At A Time 
My heart breaks for you. I hope you have a swift and permanent recovery .
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Thank you so much, you’re too kind! I hope one day you and your husband get the family you deserve!
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When my husband was diagnosed with leukemia, we were able to bank sperm, but apparently the sample is ineffective, so we’re essentially in the same boat with respect to fertility. We try to ignore these things and just worry about beating cancer, but sometimes it’s hard for him not to think about everything he’s lost. He developed ACN from his treatment and has trouble walking. Once we finish, he’ll apparently need hip replacements. Instead of mourning TOO much, though, I always try to remind him that there are still more than enough beautiful things in the world to fill up a life, we just have to go out and find them and concentrate on them. It’s not easy, and we’re not always successful, but that’s what we always attempt!
I’m so glad that you have a match and am wishing you all the best as you head into transplant. You can do it!
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I like your attitude & you are absolutely right :)
Thank you for the well wishes. Good luck to your husband as well.
I’ve never heard of developing ACN from treatment. Was that from the radiation or another medical condition?
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Sorry, I meant to type AVN! (http://www.curesearch.org/Avascular-Necrosis/). It’s apparently a response to the steroids that are a part of his chemo regimen. I’m not sure how common it is, though.
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