When Cyndi Sauvage was told, in March 2007, that she had a cancerous growth in her uterus, she was shattered.
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The disease was discovered during fertility testing. Her obstetrician-gynaecologist, and a gynaecological oncologist, both felt that a hysterectomy was the eventual best course of action. At 40, Cyndi feared her dream of having a child would never be fulfilled.
Before she and her husband Chris Fazekas committed to any course of action, they met with consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Deborah Neesham at the Women’s.
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 | Cyndi, Tristan and Chris. Photo: Kelly Hofert
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| Tests showed that Cyndi had a pre-cancerous condition that would develop into endometrial hyperplasia, cancer of the endometrium or lining, of the uterus.
Although Cyndi was not a typical endometrial cancer patient – usually post menopausal and overwerwight – she did have low progesterone levels and this is implicated in endometrial cancer.
Dr Neesham opted to treat Cyndi’s cancer conservatively, using Provera tablets and the implantation of an IUD that would release high doses of progesterone.
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The therapy worked and in July 2007 Cyndi started IVF. Unfortunately, it was not successful, and in January 2008, she was diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition of the endometrium.
“The theory was that IVF hormones may not have been helpful in the treatment of the endometrial cancer. But, of course, IVF makes it quicker to conceive,” she said.
Cyndi was put back on the progesterone therapy, in tablet and cream form. In August 2008 she was given the green light to try again for a baby using IVF.
Cyndi waited for her body’s menstrual cycle to return, and resumed using the progesterone cream to maintain her hormone levels to avoid a recurrence of the cancer.
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One month later, she found she was pregnant naturally. “I conceived when I was 41 and I had a perfect pregnancy,” said Cyndi, who used the progesterone cream until week 18 of her pregnancy.
“I am so glad I insisted on a second opinion. Deb was great to work with. During my first consultation with her, she just put her hand over mine and she said ‘I know this is hard for you’. That made all the difference.”
Cyndi and Chris now have a beautiful baby boy named Tristan who was born on 2 July 2009 when she was 42.
“I think the lesson from all this is, find a good doctor who respects you and to stand up for yourself,” Cyndi said.
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