Sian Goodsell married her husband the same day he passed away from cancer. Months before he died, though, Jason Goodsell froze his sperm, so his wife could have their children later. The couple met in 2014 and Jason proposed to Sian early in 2017. Just six days later he was diagnosed with liver and bowel cancer that was already stage 4. Despite aggressive treatment, Jason passed away in 2019. After several years, Sian decided it was time to have their children.

She became pregnant right away and her pregnancy was pretty normal, but then she went into labor early. Because Sian works as a nurse she knows the dangers of early labor and delivery. Her daughter, Matilda, was in the NICU for 17 weeks after her birth, and Sian spent almost all her time at the hospital. Finally, Matilda was strong and healthy enough to leave the hospital, and Sian took her daughter home. Now they’ve been able to start settling into their day-to-day routine.

Not having Jason there to go through all of that with her was difficult, Sian admits, but she also believes that her late husband was looking out for their daughter during her time in the hospital, where she battled inflammation in her intestines, problems with weight gain, and other issues. Having the frozen sperm allowed Sian to have part of Jason with her in their daughter, and to move forward with the family she had wanted to create.

Both men and women who battle cancer can have trouble with fertility because chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments can lead to struggles with proper production of sperm and eggs. There can also be damage to the uterus or cervix, depending on the type of cancer, its location, and the treatments used for it.

Working with a fertility specialist before starting cancer treatment can be the best way to protect the potential for children in the future. Freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos means they won’t be damaged by chemotherapy or radiation, and can make all the difference for people in these difficult situations.

Our firm provides comprehensive legal and counseling services for those using assisted reproduction with a third party. Each client is ensured of receiving personalized attention, support, and counseling. Contact us today to learn more!