I had metastatic malignant melanoma in 2008. I had a skin graft and wide excision to remove my lymph nodes in my groin. Since then all PET scans have been clear, but I am wondering if it is safe to get pregnant? Anyone gone through this before? So far, no one has been able to help me. I am desperate for any info. Thanks!
Sarah
Hey Sarah,
Did you ask your oncologist?
Yes, and my OBGYN. Both say they really aren’t sure the outcome...oncologist said I can just go for it and see what happens. I’ve also talked with physical therapist about possible problems with lymphedema in right leg due to pregnancy. She also didn’t have many answers. I am feeling like I don’t know where to turn with all the doctors’ uncertainty.
Hmmm...yes it sounds like there are no concrete answers. I’m assuming you have a melanoma specialist??
I was recently diagnosed with melanoma and my melanoma specialist thinks that my recent pregnancy was the cause of the mole turning to melanoma. She said this could have turned to melanoma 15 years from now however the pregnancy accelerated it. She was very adamant about me not getting pregnant again for at least 2-3 years. My husband and I are pretty certain that we will not have another baby but my situation could be very different from yours. I have tons and tons of atypical moles and always have but have never once had melanoma until shortly after my pregnancy. Just wanted to share my story with you!
Hi Sarah,
My name is Katie, I’m 37 and just had my first child 5 mos ago. I had stage 3a melanoma on my back 4 years ago. I did not have lymph node involvement but did have local skin spread, so it’s considered stage 3. I did a year of interferon, which is no longer used now. The science around melanoma and pregnancy is a little uncertain that can be scary (my opinion). My doctor wanted me off all melanoma treatment with clean scans for 2 years before attempting pregnancy. I was unable to have Pet scans during the pregnancy, but I did have blood work done to test my tumor markers. I did body exams every 2 months, rather than 3 months, and once my son was born, they did a biopsy of the placenta and had a PET about 2 months after and it was clean. But my fear is that I am at a higher risk of reoccurrence due to the pregnancy. I also suffered some anxiety during the pregnancy worrying about having reoccurrence while I was pregnant and how that would limit my treatment options and how my son would be impacted. No one wants to have to face cancer during pregnancy. At the end of the day, having a child was the right decision for me. But my husband and I had several conversations before we decided that. I struggled a lot with the what if’s... the new treatment offers for melanoma are very promising... I am using that to give me confidence that I will be able to here with him as long as possible....(a very long time!)
If you want to chat, let me know and I’ll send my details.
Best wishes and prayers!!
Hi Sarah,
I have the same concerns you do. I had melanoma in 2009. My melanoma spread to one lymph node in my groin and I do struggle with lymphedema in that leg. I'm 37 now and trying to decide whether having/carrying a child would be the right decision for me. I struggle with a lot of back pain which I believe is an alignment issue that comes from the muscle reattachment they did for the lymph removal and I just don't know if my body could take it. That's in addition to the fears about the hormones affecting recurrence or worse, the baby. I don't have any answers. I've done a lot of research and what it seems to come down to is that we have to make the decision for ourselves. Not the best answer, I know. But, I try to think about all of the unknowns that exist for everyone, not just us. In some ways, we have a benefit of being aware so that we can use as much diligence as possible.
If you come across anything that moves you one way or the other, or if you feel like talking it out, reach out.
Terisa
My Experience With Melanoma
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Stage 3, about to start Opdivo