Ovaries?

Lauren3

I wasn't sure where to post this question... but here goes.  Does having your ovaries removed decrease your risk of reoccurrence if you are ERpos but BRCAneg?

MJ6266

Hi Lauren,

Yes I'm pretty certain that having your ovaries removed decreases your risk of reoccurrence.  

Mary (at least that's what the doctors have told me!)

KattyC

Hi Lauren, not sure if you are still monitoring this string, but if you have a minute read my post on 'tamoxifen and menstrual cycle'.  I'm having my ovaries removed after recent recurrence to my liver. 

 I had lumpectomy, 4 rounds A/C, rads, tamoxifen, zoladex, recurrence after 8 years.  Now I just want to stop the estrogen...  Hindsight, but I knew I was an estrogen producing machine, should have given it more consideration before.  Of course, one never knows what the future holds, only the past.  Good luck with your decision.

jmar19

yes, I am ER+, PR+, and HER-.  After my original diagnosis, my doctor wanted me to have my overies out.  I was 28 years old, single, with no children, so I wasn't ready for that.  This year I got a reacurrance and it's now stage IV so I had my overies out.  I'm still single with no children.  If hind sight was 20 20 huh?

Lauren3

I talked to my doc about this.  He doesn't feel comfortable doing this yet with my still being young and the fact that I had been planning to have another child before this all happened.  I explained to him that I would do it if he thought it would increase my survival chances since my main goal is to be here for the child I already have (I can always adopt).  He said the Lupron shot will do the same as having the ovaries removed.  I don't know why, but I'm not sure I believe this....?

jmar19

It is suppose to work.  That was what I was on before I had my reaccurance.  My doctor, who I do trust with my life without any doubt, said it was suppose to work but it didn't in my case.  He ended up taking me off and I had my overies out.  I can't say that I would make the same decision again knowing what happened, but not knowing I might make the same decision again.  I just wish I knew ahead of time that it was possible that lupron wouldn't work because maybe I would make a different decision. 

seizetheday

I have read that the lupron shots are the good way to go.  Since they are bringing your estrogen down please protect your bones.  Get a bone density test.  Protect / build your bones by lifting weights & walking / jogging.  Take Calcium & Vit D.  Have them test your estrogen levels. If the shots don't bring it down enough you can always reconsider.  Best wishes.

RebeccaAnne74

I had my ovaries removed in June & the benefits were HUGE!!!!!!!  My husband & I plan to adopt in the next few years.  

kk69Z

KattyC: Keep in mind that ovaries are not the only thing in your body that produces estrogen. Your body itself also produces it. I didn't know that until my doctor told me.