The Last Word

by

Liz Ellwood

Summer 2008

 

Every day great strides are taken in the drive to beat cancer. Physicians are more informed and knowledgeable on the latest research findings, diagnostic procedures are increasingly efficient, and treatment is evolving to be more effective. As a result, and most fortunately, there are a growing number of young cancer survivors. These children, teenagers, and young adults are treated, and many go forward to have full lives. While most people may imagine that cancer patients are simply grateful to be alive, they may be surprised to hear that it is not necessarily enough. Young cancer survivors have fought to be here. They have gone through major surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and more doctors’ appointments than most people have in their lifetimes. I now ask you the question that I asked myself on the day I was diagnosed: if I am going to fight to be alive, then why shouldn’t I have the fullest life possible when I get to the other side?

 

For me, the fullest life possible was a life where I was still able to have children – to be able to look at my son or daughter one day and say, “he has my husband’s eyes,” or “she has my mother’s hands.” And since I have taken steps to preserve my fertility prior to my cancer treatment, I still have that option available to me. While having a naturally occurring pregnancy will not likely occur in my life - I wish it could have - having my own biological child can still happen. It is very likely that five years from now I will be cancer free and have children of my own. This is something that would not be a reality if I had not made it my mission to keep those doors open. While I was fortunate to have had an oncologist who was very knowledgeable and informed with regards to treating my cancer, he had little information to offer me in regard to fertility preservation, nor did it seem to be his priority. Nonetheless, I did not give up. As soon as I left the appointment where I received my diagnoses, I called my gynaecologist, who referred me to the Ottawa Fertility Centre, where I was immediately referred to the McGill Reproductive Centre. Four weeks and six trips to Montreal later, I had 19 eggs frozen, and was free to fight my cancer knowing my fertility was preserved.

 

After all my treatments were over, I could not help but wonder where I would be if I had not been so driven to pursue preserving my fertility. What if I had accepted that I should only be concerned with my survival? I would be alive, but I would have completely lost my dream of one day having my own children. I realized then something that I think of daily, the drive behind what I now do on a daily basis: after fighting so hard to be alive, efforts should be made to afford cancer survivors the same opportunities as everyone else. There should be an option for all cancer survivors to preserve their fertility. It should be yet another fight. Fertile Future was founded on that premise.

 

It is my belief that fertility preservation information should be available to cancer patients upon their diagnosis. I have made it my mission that one day all oncology professionals will give applicable patients hopeful information along with this devastating diagnosis. Although this is not currently the case, Fertile Future aspires to change this in the near future. Through the website, the distribution of fertility preservation literature, and the education of oncology professionals, it is my belief that cancer patients can be given the necessary information, and one day the financial means necessary to preserve this option for their future. Having endured the devastation of a cancer diagnosis and the ensuing treatment, patients and their families should not have to dig to uncover options. The facts should be readily available, to help them make the best decision possible for themselves and their futures.

 

Fertile Future is a not-for-profit organization that provides fertility preservation information and support services to Canadian cancer patients and their families, during and prior to their reproductive years, who are facing fertility-risking medical treatment. We also provide information to oncology professionals. For more information please visit us online at www.fertilefuture.ca.

 

Liz Ellwood is a cancer survivor and the founder of Fertile Future, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating and informing patients, physicians and other relevant publics about the fertility preservation options available to cancer patients prior to fertility-risking cancer treatment. Liz decided to start Fertile Future after discovering a need for increased awareness in regards to the reproductive choices available to oncology patients. Liz is very passionate about educating fellow cancer victims, and hopes that Fertile Future will one day act as a tool to provide up-to-date information and funding to cancer patients wishing to pursue preserving their fertility, and preserving their quality of life after cancer. Liz has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications, a post-graduate certificate in Interactive Multimedia and a professional background in marketing communications.