DH fighting cancer...can anyone relate?

missann2000 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2005, 11:04 PM

Hi! I'm new to SheKnows and thought this might be a place for me.
Currently, my husband is fighting rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer) for the second time. He was first diagnosed during our engagement in January of 2004 and then finished treatments in November of 2004 without any signs of cancer. However, this August we found that the cancer had returned and spread throughout his body. He will be undergoing treatments until sometime this spring.
When we were first married, we knew one of the top priorities of our marriage was to have children. After being diagnosed with cancer the second time around, we felt like we just couldn't wait any longer. Since DH is going through chemotherapy, he is unable to produce sperm...but luckily, before starting chemo in 2004, his oncologist had him bank sperm twice. Out of those 2 samples, they were able to make 6 vials of specimen for IUI and about 4 for IVF if ever necessary. So, really...we don't have too many tries.
We just started the whole process this month and I think on my next cycle they will be starting me on chlomid. I have an HSG scheduled for next week...which I've heard is not too much fun.
I'm looking for any support from others in similiar situations or basically just anyone who can relate. I'm glad to be here!

SmittyJr · #2 (**permalink**) 11-28-2005, 07:29 PM

Hi Melissa! This is kind of a slow board, but everyone here is very understanding, supportive and very friendly!

Although my DH and I are in a different boat, I wanted to introduce myself anyway. I love your positivity! It truly enlightened me!

My name is Teece and my DH has a condition where his production of sperm in inhibited due to enlarged veins in his scrotem. He is undergoing surgery this Thursday to try and correct the problem. So we are on TTC break until late March.

I look forward to hearing about your journey and hope you find these boards to be supportive and a place to laugh, cry and love!

missann2000 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-30-2005, 12:22 PM

Thanks, Teece (love your name, by the way

)...

I just had my HSG today and found out that we will start ttc w/ clomid next cycle! I'm so excited. My husband is in the hospital right now receiving chemo treatment, so it'll be nice to take him some good news when I head up there today.
Thanks for responding to my post...good luck to you and your DH tomorrow! I know it will all be worthwhile in the end!

SmittyJr · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2005, 07:09 PM

Melissa- How's it going sweetie? How's DH? Did you get to bring him good news?

Hugs!

missann2000 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2005, 08:06 PM

Things are going pretty well. Just got to bring DH home from the hospital on Sunday. He's really starting to feel the negative effects of radiation, so they are having to put him on some pretty massive pain pills. He doesn't always have to take them and be druged up all the time...which is good because otherwise I start to miss my goofy husband!

Really, he's amazing. He is so strong and so loving. I am lucky to be married to someone like him!

The good news I got to take him was that we could officially start clomid and the IUI later this month/early part of next month. It's actually sooner than we expected we'd get to start trying because we thought I'd have to do some other tests first. We're very excited about our chance at becoming first time parents!! I'm praying for beginners luck!

How did your husband's procedure go? How's he feeling?

SmittyJr · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2005, 07:11 PM

My DH's proceedure went well. We won't hear about any sperm improvements until March. So we are on break right now. I'm sad we have to wait, but it's helping put things into perspective and I am going to appreciate pregnancy so much more when it happens.

I'll keep thinking good thoughts for you both too. When will you find out about your TTC next steps?

Talk to you soon!

missann2000 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-20-2005, 09:25 PM

Hi Teece,
Sorry it's been so long. Well, it's coming up...AF is due to show up sometime around Christmas and then we'll be able to start our first round of Clomid. I'm very excited! I think I'll be taking Clomid days 3-7...but I'll find out for sure the next time I talk to the RE. My husband is supposed to be going in for another week-long chemo cycle next week, but his blood counts are still dropping from the last cycle. That means we may have to push back his chemo...again. It's scary to think that this may be what keeps him from a full recovery...keeping blood counts up. .....Enough of that talk, though....makes me sad.
Anyways, hope all is well with you!
Have a happy holiday!

SmittyJr · #8 (**permalink**) 12-27-2005, 05:51 PM

I'll be keeping my hopes and prayers going for you and your DH. Would you be "conceiving" naturally? I know you mentioned that they froze a few samples of his boys.

Here's to a healthy 2006!

missann2000 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-27-2005, 06:50 PM

Well, DH's chemo cycle has been pushed back to next week. Good and bad, I guess. He has to go in for blood tomorrow since his blood counts are so low. Hopefully, that'll boost his counts enough to have chemo next week.

AF has STILL not shown up yet!

I'm on cd36 today! Maybe I'm subconsciously working myself up about everything?!? I'm starting to feel some of the early symptoms, though...so hopefully she'll be coming soon....then I can start Clomid.

We will be conceiving through an IUI...that's all I know right now. If this cycle doesn't work, then my RE is putting me right into injectables for the next cycle.

Hope you have a great New Year!

Here's hoping for our 2006

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