Birth Control

yasminv1

Birth Control

yasminv1

I had bilat MX 3 weeks ago. Path report showed I am ER/PR positive. I was 8/8 positive for ER and 3/8 positive for PR.

I have not met with an oncologist yet, BS will be referring me to one this week. My BS has not told to stop using my birth control Depo Provera. Will I most likely have to stop using Depo and birth control in general since I am ER/PR Positive? If I have to stop birth control what are my options to prevent pregnancy while going through treatment?

Thanks!

Regawhatever

I'm not a doctor, but I think you'll probably have to stop all hormonal types of birth control. I'd ask your oncologist first thing. For me, they prescribed a Lupron shot which, among other things, puts me into menopause (I'm 35) and should act as birth control. Good luck!

-Tricia

katherella70

Hi yasminv1,

I was told that you can use the IUD, but not the plastic Mirena one that has hormones.  

How is your recovery going?  Did you opt for any reconstruction? 

~Kat 

yasminv1

Thanks for the info ladies. 

Sounds like an non-hormonal IUD might be the way to go for me. I'll see what my oncologist has to say. The reason for being on Depo Provera for so many years is that I have terrible heaby periods. They are so terrible I get sick to my stomach and cannot do anything for days. Depo Provera has been the only birth control that has helped me through the years as it completely got rid of my periods and I had no side effects from it at all. I have no choice though...I can't continue to take Depo and fear it might aide in my cancer coming back. I'll have to talk to my Gyno and Oncologist about the IUD. Just from reading a little online this afternoon it sounds like it causes heavy periods which is something I'll have to have my Gyno go over with me.

Kat - Recovery is slow. Yes, I did opt for immediate tissue expander reconstruction. My left side is great but my right side has been having a tough time. It was not draining properly after MX and PS had to manually drain it a couple time with syringe and by squeezing the breast mound. The breast is now noticeably swollen compare to the left side and it is all black and blue. It is slowly getting better each day. PS asked me to take it super easy for 2 weeks so we can get it to heal quickly. Overall though, I have no regrets. It was nice to not wake up flat as for me I think that would have been tough to deal with.