Removing Ovaries

CherylinOhio

Hello. Has anyone had or thought about having ovaries removed?  My onc says could be overkill but I would rather over then under. Any thoughts???

barsco1963

I have also asked my onc about removing ovaries. He said that it could be done but basically the same response as what you got - overkill. He is big on giving the best QOL and feels that removing ovaries is unnecessary at this time. I am still considering it but at this time I am feeling good and don't want to jinx anything if you know what I mean.

Still considering it and will likely discuss with him (and my family doc) again in the future

MaxineO

I am currently considering the same. On tamoxifen, I am still having a period, so I started ovarian suppression just this week (zoladex).  My MO is talking about 10 years of these zoladex injections, which will put me at 49, and maybe still premenopausal, so ovary removal may look more promising.

I agree, unless you are BRCA+, it's not an easy anwer.  I am more and more convinced, however, that extremely high estrogen levels is what got me here...

Momine

My onc would prefer that I had them removed. My mother is negative for BRCA (I have not been tested yet), but has had ovarian cancer. If I am going to suppress them anyway, I would rather be rid of them.

MiniMacsMom

I thought the same thing, before find out my BRCA status.  But there are many cons to being ovary free that you have to be prepared for.  There is the obvious menopausal state and the hot flashes and such... but also the significantly increased risk of hear diseas and bone loss as well as many other.  They say all things considered, ovary removal early can significantly lower your lifespan, though when going through treatment a 10 year decrease from 80 years doesn't seem like a whole lot when the average survival for stage 111 BC may not get us to the 70 to begin with depending on your age.  If you search there are a few threads dedicated to pros and cons of ovary removal earlly.  Good luck, its definately a hard decision to make. 

jennyboog

I had mine done in June.  It was a simple surgery and I had no issues at all.  I am BRCA+ though, because you're ER+ they will use something to suppress your ovaries.  I was doing Lupron injections until I had it done....it just made sense for me to do it.  I don't get why he said, it would be an overkill for you, it was in my tx. plan from the beginning.

LtotheK

MaxineO, me, too.  I am going to have a very thorough discussion with my onc in January.  My estrogen shows high at 90, even with an FSH of 47--I think I've been estrogen dominant the whole time.

My naturopath did test results, and got very, very different readings.  Not the first time it's happened, and I'm not sure anyone can explain exactly why.

I'm different from some here.  I would much prefer to chemically suppress my ovaries.  Surgery is surgery, and it runs the risk of adhesions and other secondary issues.  Plus, having gotten osteoporosis in my cancer journey, I'd like to consider suppression for some time, then keep the ovaries for at least some bone protection.

I'm not an expert, all needs to be discussed with onc.

CherylinOhio

I did not realize that removing ovariess effected the bones. I have done that much research on it. I just figure anything to get the hormones and estrogen out of me.  I think my being on birth control for over 20 years was a contributing factor for me.  I hope to outlive the "survival rates" of having BC.  If I can live to be 70, that would be great!! I see my onc in January and will discuss it further with him. I have not had my estrogen levels checked yet, he wanted to wait a bit.

Celtic_Spirit

I'm BRCA negative, but my onc and gyneological onc both thought it would be a good idea because (1) it would eliminate most of the estrogen/progesterine in my body and (2) my mother died of bc and her sister died of ovarian cancer (though at an old age), so they feel there is some sort of genetic component to my cancer, they just don't know what. Both do feel that removing the ovaries is beneficial to preventing bc recurrences.

My onc also felt the benefits of an oophorectomy outweighed the risks/side effects for me for several reasons. She said that, at 49, my ovaries had done about all the good they were going to do and, with natural menopause knocking at my door, their usefulness had about expired anyway. Second, my bones are in excellent shape, and I have no family history of osteoporosis; therefore, loss of my ovaries was less likely to have a damaging effect on my bones. I would suggest weighing the benefits/costs of having an oophorectomy based on your own family history and physical attributes and go from there.

Jean0078

I have about the same diagnosis as you. ER and PR+ 11/15 nodes and Stage 3 6cm. I have one ovary left as had a hysterectomy pre-menopausal and OBGYN left one ovary so I woiuldn't go into immediate menopause. My oncologist recomends I get that ovary taken out- but no rush, just sometime in 2012. I just finished chemo and start rads and Arimedix next month. That was his opinion and I am going with it. Am shooting for May sometime.

faithfulheart

I had my ovarie's out at 41, not a hard decision for me at all...... I was 98% er pos, My onc. is of the team that believes we will find huge benefits in the future for us er gals. My gyn, told me that he has been telling onc. for 15 years that er pos women should remove there ovaries, it just makes scence. I will not say it's been a walk in the park, but I try not to think about the negative

effects it has on me. I just try to stay focused on thinking that this could be what saves my life!!!!!! That and lots of love and prayer!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone has to do what they feel comfortable with, I just wanted to do anything and everything I could, I have 2 small kids to raise, so I just felt like, at the very least I won't get ovarian cancer......... thats a good thing!!!! Good luck and God bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

cinnamonsmiles

I can't take tamoxifen, so my surgeon and ob-gyn both thought it was good to remove my ovaries. At my last appt with surgeon, she mentioned taking uterus and cervix out, as well, as to prevent any cancer down there too. She is very agressive with cancer! Since the uterus and cervix are useless organs to me, I had them taken out with the ovaries and tubes. Ob-gyn said he really didn't care one way or another about uterus and cervix but if I wanted them out, he'd take them out. I am a few days shy of three weeks and still am ok with the decision.

cinnamonsmiles

I can't take tamoxifen, so my surgeon and ob-gyn both thought it was good to remove my ovaries. At my last appt with surgeon, she mentioned taking uterus and cervix out, as well, as to prevent any cancer down there too. She is very agressive with cancer! Since the uterus and cervix are useless organs to me, I had them taken out with the ovaries and tubes. Ob-gyn said he really didn't care one way or another about uterus and cervix but if I wanted them out, he'd take them out. I am a few days shy of three weeks and still am ok with the decision.