To freeze or not to freeze? That is the eggy question!

[Mrs_Atko]

Hello lovely people whom i admire immensely!

Some of you will know that i am 33 (*cough* 34 in a few weeks) and at the start of this year was oblivious to an impending problem, but after 11 months & the loss of one of my ovaries (amongst other things) I've realised that maybe i need to think about my options.

I am married to my soul mate. This is our second marriage for the both of us and my husband has 2 grown up children who i adore. I've always been on the fence about kids and still am (hubby will support me either way i go). BUT...with everything that's happened this year, I'm wondering whether or not I should consider freezing some eggs in case the worst case scenario happens to my remaining ovary AND I do decide, for sure, i want kids in the future (and left it too late to try naturally I mean - for now, i'm told my fertility 'should not' be massively impacted by the loss of one ovary as the other will pick up the slack!)

I've had friends go through IVF so i roughly know the process, but i'm just worried that right now, it might be a bit too much on my remaining ovary (and my sanity) to start 'messing around' with things 'down there' for a little while. I'm also aware that age 35 is a fairly key, genetic point on the old timeline (whereby, after which, various statistics start to go against you instead of for you in this area) and I will be 35 in Dec 2017. So do I start to look at this now? Or do I give myself some more time?

I'm seeing my Onc for a follow up in early March so was planning on speaking to her about it then. I'm also guessing i'd have to pay for this, which is fine. I'm aware there are ladies on here of all ages, so was wondering if anyone had any experience of this or generally, what your thoughts are?

Thank you, Jemima xx

[Lyndy]

Hi Jemima

I had two children while functioning on one ovary..so it is possible but in general asking in good time.. getting your options in place so you can make an informed decision is probably the way to go. I find that if I have to concentrate on something for a bit it helps me to decide whether or not I am really serious about it. Good luck which ever way you go. L xx

[Mrs_Atko in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you Lyndy - nice to know others have had success with just one ovary. But as you say, it's good to have options. It's just whether or not (right now) i can face the 'process' after having two lots of surgery down there in the space of a few months! xx

[Microbabe]

I'm not very sure what the process entails but I'm a big believer in planning for the what if... think it's good idea to speak to your onc and see what they suggest xx

[Hidden]

I totally agree with the other two replies, you can't really regret doing it but may regret not!

All the very best,

Lisa x

[Choski]

Hi, in my (humble) opinion the mere fact that you've posted this question means that it is an option you'd like to be able to have in the future. So definitely explore your options and see if your CNS or even the nurse led line here can advise whether it's recommended that you supplement one ovary with frozen eggs!

Not been much help but it's my two pennies worth!!

Clare 👍🏻👍🏻

[Hidden]

I agree with the others, it's good to know you have options if you decid it's what you want in the future. Speak to your CNS or oncologist.

Wishing you the best xx

[Sunfleury-UK]

J- there are protocols and pathways in place for people who have been affected by cancer to refer to key specialist fertility consultants... We were referred straight away and met with a consultant who really thoroughly went through our options... My suggestion would be to speak with your CNS, ask about referral options in your area and then take the opportunity to meet and discuss things. You may be surprised by what is available and of course don't have to start anything.... May be good though to start the ball rolling (will be a fact finding exercise initially... )

Sxx

[Sunfleury-UK in reply to Sunfleury-UK]

You may even be able to access thr pathway protocol for your health authority with some googling... Let me know if you need help... X

[Venessabr]

If it was me, I would freeze to protect my options.

[Mrs_Atko]

Thank you for your responses ladies, really appreciate you taking the time to reply. I think, assuming next scan all goes to plan (I.e the current 'cyst' has disappeared) I will have a conversation with my Onc & go from there xx

[Leeds2015]

I can't add anything to the great advice, just wish you luck xx

[Hidden]

I agree the fact you are thinking about children means that you have not totally ruled out the possibility so my answer would be yes certainly go for it.

[GoldenGourd]

Jemima I don't think I can add anything cogent to this discussion other than : ask yourself how you would react if you did not have the option to freeze some of your eggs.

I love the fact that you have found your soulmate and you get on well with his kids. That's a nice pair of jewels right there.

I'm sure you will make the right decision - you are a wise and thoughtful person.

Netti

[Jen85]

Hi jemima. I was referred to cryopreservation team. If you have second ovary removed you can have it stored (and eggs) on the NHS because of the BOC. It's not straightforward though, as if you decided you wanted kids they would normally put some ovary folicals back in you so your body can naturally mature an egg. But with BOC they won't do that because of the risk of transplanting BOC back into you. They don't yet have the technology to mature eggs out of the body and best guess is that we will be in our 50s by the time they can do it! So to remove eggs now is best for preservation. Same process as Ivf and shouldn't cause any damage etc although I have been warned that they don't know for sure if egg stimulation will stimulate BOC growth. Its a gamble for sure. I left my consultation with lots of questions!x