Friend 2 Friend: Fertility after breast cancer
Young survivor hopes for children
5:37 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008
We've shown you a lot of different and inspirational women since partnering with Lawrence Memorial Hospital for our Friend 2 Friend campaign.
This month's survivor is no exception, but her story of breast cancer is different because it starts at only age 24.
Leslie Wurdeman works at St. Francis. As a medical professional, she knew it was important to do her self breast exam and at the age of 24 she found a lump.
"I knew something wasn't right deep down inside," she said.
For her, survival was just one concern. Leslie had just gotten engaged and wondered what her life would be like after chemotherapy.
"I wanted to have children. Am I still going to have children? That was a big concern of mine...that's always been a big part of my life with family," she said.
Dr Ranoak Ekram from Lawrence Memorial Hospital says that's something she's seeing come up more and more.
"With breast cancer, it's curable and it's survivable. They're surviving through it. Now we're looking at other issues and aspects of their life that are important to them," Ekram said.
While going through chemo, Leslie took a drug called Zolodex.
Dr. Ekram explained, "There's just recent data to suggest that it can apply in this setting of trying to preserve the ovaries."
But it's only been used for breast cancer patients like Leslie for two years, so she'll have to wait and see.
Some patients freeze their eggs, but Leslie says she didn't want to put off chemo.
"I chose to give what God gave me. If I was to get my cycle back then and have a chance, then that's what I would do," Leslie said.
Leslie has a lot of support, no matter what curve life throws her.
Friend2Friend Breast Cancer Awareness
49 News has partnered with Lawrence Memorial Hospital to encourage you to adopt measures that lead to early detection. One in eight women is affected with breast cancer. Get more statistics and learn how you can protect yourself at 49abcnews.com/friend2friend. There you can also sign up to be reminded when it's time to do self breast exams and get breast cancer stories emailed to your inbox. Check it out.
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