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Hi smiles, I can't shed any light as I haven't been through this experience. Just wanted to say what a shock that must have been for you and good on you for wanting to know more about it - I'm sure it will be helpful for you SIl to have someone understanding what she is going through.
Life Subscriber
My mum had breast cancer a few years ago and went through both Chemo and radiation therapy. The chemo made her feel quite tired and ill. But she did come through it ok, and was amazingly positive throughout. She still needs annual check ups but is now really well and cancer free. I hope the same is true for your SIL.
I don't really know about fertility, that wasn't an issue for my mum, but a friend's sister has had a few kids post breast cancer so it can happen. I know she was told to wait a few years and didn't. But it's hard to know, it's different for everyone and I think some women become infertile afterwards. So it's probably best just to wait and see what happens. There are so many possibilities.
Registered User
Hi, Sorry to hear of your sis-in-laws illness. I cant imagine what it must be like to go through that. You sound like such a loving and caring s-i-l to her though, so its great that she has your support.
My aunty (mums sister) was diadnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas. She is currently undergoing Radiation therapy. I am not sure if she will be undergoing Chemo too though, but I am aware that the chemo makes you feel so incredibly worn out and nauseous. I spoke with her the other day and I am amazed by her positivity! Anyhow, she was telling me that it is quite draining on her both emotionally and phyisically, as I'm sure you can imagine. The radiation is basically making her feel like she is incredibly sunburnt, like she sat out in the summer sun for a whole day with nothing on to protect her. That, and really tired too.
Hope your s-i-l's treatment is successful.
Registered User
The 5 year thing sounds right - there is a risk of getting breast cancer again if she gets pregnant during that time. I googled it and found an article that said pregnancy should be avoided for 3-4 years. This is because breast cancer is fuelled by hormones and of course during pregnancy you have huge surges of them and therefore would be more likely to see a reccurance of the cancer. From 5 years on apparently the risk factors are the same as a woman who hasn't had cancer.
As for chemo & radiation - my mum's been through both twice for breast cancer (and had both BBs removed) and she sailed through it all. I think her positive attitude helped. She got really bad burns with the radiation (some came up several months after treatment) and she found that the worst of it. She really didn't find it all that bad, so everyone's experience seems to be different.
.... Heartfelt "THANKS" to you all that gave me so much more Hope & greater understanding then I did a few days ago !!
Unfortunately I live on the other side of Victoria (over 3hrs away) to where my ill sis-in-law lives.
So, I can't be there physically to help her
... At least when I get a chance to speak to her I will have more insight about her illness & hope within my voice for her
It's been a very sad week BUT yet a joyous week all in one as OUR other sis-in-law had her 1st baby (a boy) today)
I'm fully aware that this will be hard for her to see as I know she was going to try for her 1st baby later this yr before finding out she had breast cancer & having to do the chemo now.
I do hope this new baby boy brings her some joy as I certainly know he has with me. I'm a second time Auntie in nearly 13yrs
... Thanks once again, ... You were all very honest & extremely kind with your words !!
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