Ooperectomy

PT6

I am BRCA 2+. First BC when I was 21. Then DCIS 39 years - later diagnosed last summer. I am scheduled for a ooperectomy on 062410 lap using DaVinci. Can someone give me any idea about the recovery from this surgery and how functional I will be?

Annabella58

Hi PT6:

I had a hysterectomy/oopharectomy last March.  Easy, easy surgery, honestly.  No scars but two teeney weeney ones at the sides of my groin and a belly button slit that is about 1/2"" and has faded.

You don't mention whether or not you are having a hysterectomy also, but I am assuming you are as they generally take it all out at once.

the recovery is a snap.  I only needed tylenol and I doubt I even really needed it, I just took it.  the hardest part is just sitting around.  You need to rest, rest and more rest, with gentle walks for about a month.  Booo rrrrriiing.  I learned to knit.  Get lots of books, videos, and realize that the rest is crucial to healing or you'll put yourself back a step.

I was good to go in about 5 weeks.  No sex for at least til after the post op and the dr. says OK.

I had heard so many horror tales re: surgical menopause and had ...well, not much. A few warm ups, but in general, felt so much more stable, less PMSey, etc.  My tummy stayed swollen from the gas for about two weeks, perhaps longer so stretchy pants are good.   I also featured big ole granny panties from Kohls...easy to pull on and off.  You will feel pretty well tho.  No big weight gain, but I do notice a redistribution of weight.  More in the tummy and less in the ass.  Oh well, not a really big deal, actually.

Good luck and if I can help with anything, PM me.  I chose this surgery after 2nd BC occurrence due to excess estrogen and i have never, ever regretted takling out the cancer bombs .  I was done with having children (I am 54) and I hope you are also, otherwise, it can be an emotionally charged thing to deal with.  I regarded my uterus as a Holiday Inn that my daughter stayed in; it did not "make me a woman" anymore than my ovaries did, and those little things tried to kill me.

love

annie

kt57

hopefor30:  I'm BRCA2 too.   Good luck with surgery tomorrow.  I did the ooph last fall - recovery was smooth.    What kind of breast surgery have you had?   I had a lumpectomy SNB and rads for bc last year.  Still up in the air about mastectomy.  I'm 52.  

kittycat

I am BRCA1+, I was supposed to get a ooph/hyst last month.  I have an ovarian cyst and my obgyn thought it was a good idea to remove everything. I was supposed to get the lap (not davinci).  I was so freaked out to be going through menopause.  Then, found out I had BC again!  Ughhh...  Now menopause doesn't seem so bad.

I heard the down time is about 2 weeks with the lap surgery.  Rest and take care of yourself.  Keep us posted on how it goes. Good Luck! 

IrishLass

hopefor30: I'm thinking of ya & hope you're doing well.

I'm BRCA2 & had a laprascopic bi-ooperectomy over 2 months ago & I found the recovery easy &  the elastic support corset they wrapped me in was a great comfort! I wore sweats a lot for the first week or 2. I also had a bi-NSM so that was the biggy... I didn't do any housework, cooking etc for about a month though, I was a bit spoiled by my DH. You will certainly need to rest up - don't over do anything, let your body be your guide...

I got very teary eyed at the slightest thing for the first few weeks & then it dawned on me that it was the sudden loss of ER. I find the night sweats disturb my sleep & find myself sleeping with nothing over me but a sheet... After a few sleepless nights I take an Ambien 5mg. I got a fungal infection on my boobs but it cleared up very quickly with antifungal powder & leaving my sports bra off. So, be careful of your incision sites - try & keep them cool & dry. I used a hair dryer to make sure my belly button was dry...

geneskirt

Im scheduled for September.  i have been procrastinating for almost 10 months, and cxl'd two dates for surgery already!   Ihave had 5 reconstructive surgeries in that ime tho, so busy dealing with one thing at a time, i guess)

i need to do this.....

everyones comments here have been VERY encouraging!

xo

cassou1

you guys were lucky to have the hysterectomy laprascopic. being brca1 pos. my surgereon took everything via getting cut opened. was to just have my ovaries removed, but being brca1 pos. he wanted to make sure that everything was out.

IrishLass

Hopefor30: I hope you are still doing well!

dustylady

We are similar...I had Stage 1 infiltrating, low grade when I was 41 (17 years ago).  Just diagnosed in April 2010 with DCIS, grade 3, 1mm.  Both times I was ER/PR positive...no HER2 done.  Had a lumpectomy w/radiation and was clear until the DCIS in same Left Breast just now.  BRCA testing - found I'm BRCA2+......my sister had Breast CA 8 years ago...just got tested and is the same for BRCA2.  So...Just had bilateral mastectomy w/o reconstruction and laparoscopic BSO during same surgery on 6/28.  Not DaVinci...had three small incisions....Very surprised at the fast recovery.  Still painful around one incision that ended up being about 1 inch long.  Trying to find out if I can drive 1 week post op.  Breast Surgeon says ok with him, but may be different from the abdominal.  I plan to have fat grafting reconstruction in Miami (old concept, new approach) - will start the process in about 3 weeks.  How are you doing?

PT6

I'm back! There were some issues during the surgery so I ended up in the hospital overnight. I would tell you what the issues were but I was just waking up from surgery and had not brain at the time. The docotr and his office staff are being jerks - i do not think that I would go back to him for anything else. Prior to surgery, I told the surgeon that there were problems with insertin the airway in previous surgeries as my mouth has limited opening. He basically dismissed what I was saying and told me he would leave it up to the anesthesiologist on the day of surgery. Welllll, the anesthesiologist said that he was not comfortable doing the method to establish my airway and recommended that the surgery be rescheduled for when someone else was available!!!!! AGHHHHH! They did find someone at the last minute to run in and establish an airway then run back to the other surgery that he was involved in. I ended up waking up with a battered and swollen lower lip which is still having pins and needles 10 days after my surgery. Now I am in  a battle with the surgeon's office staff. My work requires a form stating that I am unable to work for X number of days?/weeks? I have been trying to get the form signed since 2 weeks prior to my surgery. My work still has not received the form. I contacted the surgeon's office and the little snot that answered the phone kept putting up barriers and ended the conversation stating that people usually do not need any time of following this surgery. HUH? Let's see If I get this right - I undergo abdominal surgery and spend one night in the hospital. I am sent home with narcotics for pain. I feel like I am being stabbed by a pitch fork every time I lean forward. This little twit thinks that I should have returned to work the NEXT day.To make things even more ridiculous, my job involves heavy lifting. AHHHH!!!! I now feel better after venting. Thank you!

Anonymous

PT6-----I had a TAH/BSO (everything out---open abdominal hysterectomy/oopherectomy)---generally 6 weeks recovery, but I took off 8 weeks as I do heavy lifting (am a PT). If done laproscopically, the recovery is usually only 2 to 3 weeks as they don't cut thru the abdominal muscles.  But make sure the doctor knows you do heavy lifting.

anne

Issymom

I had a complete hysterectomy via the DaVinci robotic system on June 4th.  I stayed in the hospital overnight then was able to go home.  I was sore especially when getting out of a chair but most of that was gone after 5-6 days.  I had my surgery on a Friday and the following Saturday (8 days later) I walked 6 miles, worked in the garden for a couple of hours, and then went to a party (very low key).  I was amazed at how well I felt so quickly.

Everyone's experience is different and we all end up with complications at times.  I just wanted to share that my experience with my hysterectomy was VERY good.  I hope all of you who are considering or need a hyster or oophectomy (sp?) have positive rsults

PT6

awb, I am also a PT - home health primarily a neuro caseload - lots of heavy-duty transferring. The surgeon and I discussed this prior to my surgery. He stated that he recommends 2 weeks off for office work and a month off if your job involves heavy lifting. Somehow I think what I do for a living has gotten lost and the twit seems to be dictating time off. My supervisor called yesterday asking where I wanted to go today as the doctor indicated that I could return to work on the 9th.  Of course, no one told me - I have not even had a follow-up appointment yet. I decided to test out the lifting thing by cleaning out my chicken waterer - Nope, not ready for heavy lifting yet. I would never return to this MD. He has impressive credentials but that doesn't stop him from being a jerk. I had a hernia operation with mesh placement several years ago and that is where I am experiencing the discomfort. I worry that they somehow messed up the mesh during the surgery.

MRDRN

The Devinci Surgery was a failure for me at a major teaching hospital.  The Doc's there said that they couldn't get "under my uterus" with it to make the appropriate cuts.  I had a large fibroid and ovarian cyst and am BRCA 1 so they ended up doing a TAH.  I thought it was an easy recovery until my incision opened and I ended up having to pack the wound twice a day and letting it heal from the inside out.  Do not take a hysterectomy for granted.  You do need to rest and let the incisions heal.   You are right to ask the questions but most are routine, and I think one of the most common surgeries. The immediate menapause was worse than I expected.  The hot flashes are really strong many times a day and if I didn't need the ovaries out, I wouldn't have done it. 

curecx2011

Hello- I'm BRCA 1 positive and was told I could have Ca125 test and ultra sound of my ovaries for a while b4 I get them removed. Was anyone given those options. Ovarian cancer is scary and wondering if waiting to have them removed a good idea.

Latte

hi curecx2011 - my onc told me that it is really hard to screen for ovarian cancer to catch it early - by the time they can see it it is already quite advanced. on the other hand, i think the recommendation to remove them is only after age 35-40 because of other problems that no obvaries can cause in younger women. my onc gave me a flatout recommendation to get them removed within a few months of finishing BC tx (I am 40). I am currently finishing up rads, and plan to do the ooph next month.

kerri72

I'm BRCA2+ and I wasn't given the option of screening because I have an estrogen positive cancer, so I needed to remove ovaries to both reduce estrogen and my chance of ovarian cancer. For you that's not an issue, but I agree than ovarian cancer is scary and I'm relieved I had my ovaries and tubes out (at 38 years old). The surgery (laparoscopic) was much easier than I anticipated and my hot flashes have been minimal.

curecx2011

Latte- Thank you for your response. Please keep me posted on how it goes. I know it something I need to do. It is all just scary and SO much to absorb BC is such a like changing fearful thing. I constantly in fear that it will  return.

Kerri 72- Are hot flashes the only issue you had with removing your ovaries? I hear that removing your ovaries can cause lots of other issues, like heart disease and mood swings. What are some of symptoms you have had since the surgery ? 

kerri72

Hi curecx2011 - You're right, heart disease is a risk after removing the ovaries. I do worry about it, especially because my other treatments can cause heart damage too (Herceptin and radiation to left side). But I have a high grade cancer and feel I'll just have to cross that bridge if I'm lucky enough to get to it. But again, you're not ER+ so that's not your main concern. For me, ovarian cancer is scary because it is so hard to detect and treat successfully. Heart disease seems more manageable than ovarian cancer, although I know it's very serious too. I think I would've chosen to remove my ovaries even if I had an ER- cancer.

Yes, for me, hot flashes have been my only symptom. Before surgery I was afraid I wouldn't "feel like myself" anymore, if you know what I mean. I've been relieved to find I feel like the same old me, no drastic changes, mood swings or depression. Everyone is so different, but I've been surprised by how good I feel since surgery.

Good luck with your decision. I know it's not an easy one! Take in all the available information and then go with your gut.

SAMayoFL

Goodness, it seems like the things that need to be done are endless and I am overwhelmed by all of this sometimes.  I am BRCA2+, 44 at the time of diagnosis and still have 7 weeks of taxotere to go followed by radiation.  I have pleomorphic ILC which tends to metastisize to the other breast and to female organs and linings.  I know I will have to have my left breast removed and hope to do reconstruction at that time.  I am hoping to be able to have DIEP flap reconstruction and after reading all of your posts I wonder if the hysterectomy/oomph would be done before or after the DIEP flap.  Just in case anyone reading my post isn't familiar with the DIEP flap they do a tummy tuck and recreate the breast mound from the tissue and fat.  It is a very invasive surgery for the tummy.  Now I wonder if they will be able to do a hyst/oomph laparascopically after a tummy tuck.  Right now, between treatment, prophylactic surgeries and reconstruction it seems like I will be sick for more than another year.  Even then, I worry about ever going back to normal after a hysterectomy, menopause and Tamoxifen. 

GOOD GRIEF!!!  This is overwhelming!

Susan

lbrewer

I had my ooph at the same time as a repair to my diep.  My PS and gyn surgeon worked at the same time. Look into the robotic laproscopic procedures.  They do them here in Orlando at MD Anderson and other places around the state.  I literally have 3 incisions no bigger than mosquito bites.  One is in my belly button so it doesn't show.  The procedure is far less inasisve than normal, much less blod loss and recovery time.I literallly did not know anything was done.  I too have a genetic condition which required it.  Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Latte

Susan - At one time I was thinking of DIEP, and asked about the ability to do an ooph laparoscopically afterwards. they said that the chances of a successful laparoscopic ooph are much reduced after surgery to the stomach area. maybe check with your PS whether you can do them at the same time? In the meantime, I decided not to do a prophy mx so the ooph will be on its own.

 kerri or anyone else - do you know what kind of follow up (if any) is done after an ooph in terms of monitoring for heart disease?

AnacortesGirl

Latte,

None of my docs mentioned any concerns or monitoring for heart disease because of an ooph.  Good question.  My onc is concerned just as a rare SE from aromasin but isn't planning on doing anything unless I show symptoms such as swelling in the ankles.

stlcardsfan

Latte:  I asked my cardiologist that same question regarding ooph and heart disease. In fact we spoke by phone a good 20 minutes or so a week before my surgery. There is no history of heart disease in my family, so that is good. My blood pressure, pulse and cholesterol are all normal. I check my pulse at home about once a month just as a precaution. He knows that I do this. I exercise at least 5 days a week and raise my heart rate as he instructed me to. I am almost a healthy weight for my height - thanks to herceptin and slower metabolism have a few more pounds to lose. I eat healthy - mainly organic - and stay away from processed foods as much as possible.

All of this plays a part in overall health. I guess my point is, just because of ooph, you are not going to immediately have heart issues. My cardiologist sees me once a year, along with all other doctors that I see. He put my mind at ease.

nikola

I had DIEP last May and I am scheduled for ovary removal in April. They told me it should not be a problem to go laparoscopically.

kittycat

I have my ooph/hyst scheduled for April 11th. I hope it goes well.

slinky

Kittycat, I will need an ooph/hyst down the road.  I wish you well and please keep us updated on your progress.