Talking about fertility while going through cancer treatment can feel like a luxury, or worse, an afterthought. But in the special Mother’s Day episode of osTEAo, Mia and Sammy are joined by Elise to bring the conversation front and center. As AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) cancer patients and survivors, they know how complicated, emotional, and often invisible fertility concerns can be.
In this episode, Mia, Sammy, and Elise share their personal journeys through cancer treatment and how fertility was (or wasn’t) discussed along the way. Sammy, diagnosed with osteosarcoma at 19, reflects on how limited the conversation was when it came to fertility preservation. Elise, diagnosed at just 8 years old, remembers being told infertility was a low risk, but at that age, and with treatment taking priority, it wasn’t exactly something she could process. Mia, also diagnosed at 19, was given the option to freeze her eggs but made the incredibly difficult decision not to, citing the financial burden.
That’s one of the big takeaways from this conversation: fertility preservation is often presented as an option, but not always an accessible one, especially for young women and those navigating treatment alone or early in life. The cost can be overwhelming, and the information - too little, too late.
Mia, Sammy, and Elise also talk about what comes after treatment. Fertility and infertility don’t just go away when treatment ends—they follow patients into survivorship. They open up about what it’s like to have painful, awkward conversations with family about the future. Sammy shares the grief of wanting to be a parent but facing fertility challenges. Mia speaks about appearance-based comments and the heavy emotional toll of worrying about whether children are even an option.
But this episode isn’t just about what they’ve lost, it’s also about redefining what it means to have an impact. They explore alternative paths to family, like adoption, being an aunt or uncle, or becoming a mentor. They talk about the importance of sharing knowledge, not just for themselves, but for the kids they might one day parent or advocate for.
And through it all, the heart of the conversation keeps coming back to community. As Mia says, being seen, heard, and understood in this space is everything. It’s why co-hosts Mia and Sammy make osTEAo. Whether you're wrestling with decisions about fertility preservation, wondering if you’ll ever become a parent, or just need to hear someone say “me too,” this episode is for you.
They end with a reminder: knowledge is power, vulnerability is strength, and nobody should have to go through this journey alone.
👉 Listen now to the full episode of osTEAo: What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting. Because your story matters. Your voice matters. And we’re in this together.
