Hi, Sallyanne.

I was diagnosed and treated for tongue cancer (non-HPV) in the middle of my pregnancy. I had no risk factors. Read my signature. I have since "met" several women through my surgeon's office, facebook, and OCF that with the very same picture.

I did have IVF to have my second child (one cycle), but I am the only one I know of in the group. I started having symptoms about 8 weeks into my pregnancy.

If you want to know my opinion, I am convinced that there is a connection for some women. Right now, doctors and scientist just don't have enough information or large enough cohort to conduct a well-designed study. I am confident that in the future, something will be determined. There are certain cancers that are hormone-sensitive.

When I asked my surgical oncologist about the possibility of having a recurrence if I were to get pregnant again, he told me that he tells his patients to go on living life and that he doesn't advise his patients to avoid hormonal therapy, such as IVF or HRT when the time comes. I don't feel comfortable taking any hormones right now and I can't foresee myself doing so in the future. That's just me trusting my gut...nothing more. If I was younger and I didn't have tough pregnancies...and we had more money, I don't think I would hesitate to have another baby, though....via IVF, I'm not so sure.

There are a lot of unknowns. I'm just so happy to hear that there are other women out there that can relate to this special situation.

BTW, my surgical oncologist has a handful of women who have been diagnosed and treated while pregnant. He said that they all have tended to do very well. Two of them went on to have more children. He said that one is 10 years out and another is 7 years out...off the top of his head. So, this is great news!

Nice meeting you, sorry it had to be here!

:)Kerri