A diagnosis of ABC will affect many areas of your life including the ability to get pregnant and have children. For women who are considering starting a family or have not yet completed their family when they have been diagnosed with ABC this can cause significant distress. Uncertainty about the future, and the possible loss of a future that included starting a family can invoke many feelings such as grief, loss, sadness, and shock.
It is important to discuss your current situation and wishes and concerns with your specialist team. Your medical oncologist will discuss the impact of treatment on your fertility (for women of childbearing age) before you start treatment for ABC.
There are a number of people you can call on for support, including your whānau and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. New Zealand's ABC Guidelines also provides some information on fertility, which you can read here.