oophorectomy

Anonymous

samcid---There's good things about tamox too.  I've been on tamoxifen for over 4 years (for prevention of invasive bc--I have LCIS) with very minimal SEs. I had to have a total hysterectomy a few years ago (not by choice--ruptured ovarian cysts) and I still take tamox.  It actually has been used and studied for almost 30 years and is generally well tolerated by most with hot flashes being the most common SE.  The incidence of the more serious SEs (endometrial ca or blood clots) is reportedly very low, less than 1%. And tamox is actually good for your bones and heart.  I am a bit concerned about the dementia risk after the loss of the ovaries, but  105 to 98 is not statistically significant, so that's good news. (and I was so close to natural menopause --48---that doctors said it wouldn't really impact me ).  I do try to eat  a more healthy diet, excersize, and take calcium with Vit. D twice a day.  But I have to say the immediate surgical menopause that goes along with oopherectomy is no fun at all--I would much rather have gone thru a natural, more gradual menopause if given the choice. And while oopherectomy can certainly lessen the risks of bc due to the decrease in estrogen (not the total elimination as it is still produced in the adrenals, skin, and fat), it is NOT a valid substitute for chemo, if that is what is recommended.

Member_of_the_Club

I have spoken about the side effects you list with my docs and been really reassured. Uterine cancer is very rare now for tamoxifen users because they use lower doses than in the old days and for shorter duration. My onc says blood clots are also rare and, if you exercise and keep your weight down, unheard of. As for eye issues, my ophthamalogist says they are so rare she has never actually seen them in her practice. I had a small cataract before I was diagnosed with bc (at the age of 42!) and it hasn't grown in the three years I've been on tamox.