Podcast: Sarah's Fertility Story

1 in 8 women are affected by breast cancer and 1 in 4 women experience pregnancy loss. Despite being seldom discussed, it is likely that someone close to you will face one or both of these challenges.

Sarah, a breast cancer survivor, is among these women. Nearly ten years after her diagnosis, she decided to pursue solo motherhood and sought assistance from a reproductive endocrinologist in Boston before settling in Chicago and becoming a patient at Fertility Centers of Illinois. Along her journey to become a parent, Sarah faced a range of emotions including love, loss, grief and joy. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month this October, Sarah joined the Time to Talk Fertility Podcast to share her story.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you brought you to Fertility Centers of Illinois?
You are a young breast cancer survivor. When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?
Do you remember getting that diagnosis? What was going through your mind?
Did your physician talk to you about fertility preservation before cancer treatment?
When did you decide you wanted to expand your family? What was that like for you?
Your fertility journey started in Boston. Can you walk us through your experience?
How did you cope after experiencing pregnancy loss?
Can you share some of the ways you’ve honored Nicholas’s memory?
When did you transition your treatment to Fertility Centers of Illinois and were there any differences in the approach to treatment?
How did it feel to be pregnant with Rory?
When did you decide to expand your family again? Was your experience different with your third child?
How has motherhood been for you?
You’ve been through many highs and lows. What gave you hope throughout the process?
Are there words of wisdom you would like to share based on your experiences?
Is there anything else you’d like to share?