Preserving Fertility Through Cancer Treatment

This is a special episode of the Marrow Masters Podcast.  Not only do we have two guests, but we are also diving into a very important topic that isn't often discussed.   When you're facing transplant, fertility may be the furthest thing from your mind.   But chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments could impact your body's ability to start a family.  That's why it's critically important to at least have a conversation before starting treatment.Today's guests are Dr. Quinton Katler, a reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility, and Emily Beard, a Registered Nurse with Northside Cancer Institute.  They are here to share their perspectives and talk about options.Fertility preservation can take as little as two weeks.  And while some patients must begin treatment immediately, there are many cases in which a two-week delay will not impact a patient's prognosis.   A patient in their 20's, for example, may not be thinking about starting a family right now, but could have plans to later in life.  This is why it can be critical to look at options, and have a collaborative conversation with his or her entire team.Emily talks about the mental health issues surrounding these conversations, and Dr. Katler gets into the medical options.  These can include egg harvesting and freezing, embryo freezing, and freezing of sperm.   These are ways to preserve the building blocks of life before they can be damaged by cancer treatment.   Following treatment and a waiting period, Dr. Katler walks us through the processes of IUI, IVF, and more.   And of course there are other options, such as adoption.Many of these procedures do come with "sticker shock," and we have a comprehensive list of resources available to our listeners, including:American Cancer Society:  https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-women-with-cancer/how-cancer-treatments-affect-fertility.htmlLive Strong Family Building Options including Fertility Preservation: https://www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services/helping-fertility-centers-provide-family-building-options-cancer-patientsFertility Scout (from Alliance for Fertility Preservation): https://www.allianceforfertilitypreservation.org/about-fertility-scout/SaveMyFertility.com: https://www.savemyfertility.org/pocket-guides/patients/fertility-preservation-women-diagnosed-cancerOncofertility financial assistanceTeam Maggie’s Dream (need based grants available for fertility preservation costs): https://www.teammaggiesdream.org/grantsThe Sam Fund: https://www.thesamfund.org/get-help/resources/family-building-support/Other small non profit organizations that support family building in various waysWorth the Wait (funding for family building options e.g. IVF, adoption, surrogacy, et.) - https://worththewaitcharity.com/who-we-support/Verna’s Purse (funds for storage fees through Reprotech) - https://www.reprotech.com/vernas-purse/LiveStrong financial assistance – https://www.livestrong.org/what-we-do/program/fertilityNorthside Hospital Cancer Institute: https://www.northside.com/services/cancer-instituteShady Grove Fertility: https://www.shadygrovefertility.comNewsletter about this topic:  https://www.northside.com/about/news-center/article-details/oncofertility-emerges-as-a-new-specialty-in-survivor-careNational Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKnbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.Thank you to this season's sponsors:The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.orgSanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/  National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/Check out our valued nbmtLINK resource books, some for sale, some free as downloadable, https://www.nbmtlink.org/shop/nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINKFollow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.The Marrow Masters Podcast is produced by JAG Podcast Productions: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.