bilateral oophorectomy

stacey2930

bilateral oophorectomy

stacey2930

I need some advice... Okay here goes

I was diagnosed in 2005 with stage 1 IDC, node negative ER/PR positive BC. I had my left ovary removed in 2000 due to endometroisis. I've had problems with ovarian cyst on my right ovary. I had a pelvic ultrasound last week because my OB/Gyn felt a knot in my uterus which turned out to be a 6CM cyst on my ovary so I am scheduled to have the ovary out next month. I am 45 and worried about the effects this will have. I wish I could take HRT. I worry about my loosing my sex drive and abilty to achieve an orgasm. I am also afraid of the possible cardiovascular effects that this could cause. Any thoughts?  Thanks in advance:)   Stacey

AnneW

Meonpause isn't the end of your sexual world. While many of us have experienced a decreased libido, orgasms are not necessarily elusive. There will be some issues with estrogen loss, such as vaginal dryness, but the FemRing may be an option for you.

I had a stage 1 in 2002, and again in 2007. My Femring keeps the girl parts healthy. My drive has diminished, but it's as much a mental thing as physical. I had my ovaries out at 45, and I've had an easier time with menopause than many people have. I even tried a testosterone patch for a while, but it didn't help.

Don't expect your experience to be the same as anyone else's. It may be better than you think. I hope so, anyway.

Anne

wishiwere

yes, each person is so different.  Just like each beginning to the menses are, so are the ends.  With ER positive you shouldn't take anything with estrogen, but some do. Definitely not HRT's.

There are meds to help with hot flashes, and vaginal dryness and even sexual libido.  I put up with the flashes and am just now trying the replens.  Did not like astroglide some talk about, but that's a personal dislike.  As for the libido...that's something they discuss on a thread here....I think it's like 'I want my mojo back?' Someone might come by and suggest it...not sure what it's under, but a search might help.  Seems it was under the 'single' postings.... here's the thread if you're interested:  http://community.breastcancer.org/topic/7/conversation/69566?page=36#comment_421498

Anyway. it's not the end of your sexual life by any means, just a new one.  

CasinoGirl

Stacey,

I was dx in Oct. 2004 (age 42 at the time) with stage 1, IDC, 0 nodes, ER/PR+.  In Nov 05 (age 43) I had bilateral ooph.  I'm not gonna lie to you, I miss estrogen!!  I have horrible hot flashes and my memory is non-existent at times.  As far as sexual problems, my BF and I use Astroglide or GunOil, and we don't have any problems.  As far as libido goes - I had none when I was in my sexless marriage of 20 years, but BF has opened up a whole new world for me I never knew existed, so I think who your with has a lot to do with the libido thing.

With your history of cysts plus your ER/PR+ status I can see why your doc wants your remaining ovary removed.  You'll get through it.  Good luck!

stacey2930

Thanks for your comments. I am still contemplating having it done. Scheduled for June 17th..... boy it's getting close. I'm also having my 6 month check up with my onc the day before! talk about stressed out:)

Curlylocks

Stacy,

I just had a bilaterial oopherectomy due to being highly er/pr+ and on Zoladex injections for the past 1 1/2 years.  The surgery went off without a hitch but I was in alot of pain afterwards, had to go back to hospital for a morphine shot.

I have three incisions, one in the belly button where they remove the ovaries, one small one the right below it and a large incision down near my pelvic bone.  

I have happy to have those estrogen demons gone.  Previously I was chemically menopausal due to Zoladex so wont notice any difference in the way I feel.  Dryness is an issue but if you use Kygel and Replens it helps alot...

Your bc

sister

Michele