Remove ovaries to prevent breast cancer recurrence?

Jest

Just celebrated my birthday and am 39 this year, married, no children. Dx with stage 2A breast cancer last April, had double mastectomy (without reconstruction) and chemo treatment in the same year, and started taking tamoxifen last sep.

In my regular visits to the doctors, they advised that the best prevention of breast cancer recurrence for younger patients is to remove the ovaries, main culprit for producing estrogens (btw, mine is hormone receptive). Every time when I was about to feel well and normal, came this advice from doctor which will set me thinking and worrying again of a recurrence. I am rather tempted to remove my ovaries but this will put me right into menopause, where I know i would be facing a new set of problems such as heart problem, bone mass loss etc.

Has anyone been faced with the same dilemma and could I have some advice from you, please? Thanks!

ml143333

I am just a bit older than you, will be 47 in June.  I was diagnosed with IDC stage 3 grade 3 in July 2014.  I had a BMX with immediate reconstruction and just finished up 8 rounds of chemo every three weeks. 

My MO wants to start me on Zoladex and Arimidex at the end of this month.  I have talked with him and my GYM about removing the ovaries.  Both said that I could go either way.  I will try the shot and pill method for awhile and then make a decision about removing the ovaries.

inks

There is a whole thread dedicated to this

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/829343?page=1

Jest

Hi inks, thanks for the wonderful information. I have joined that discussion and it has been very informative. Thanks again and hope all are well with you.

 

Hi ml143333, thanks for sharing too. Actually, i wonder what would be the differences in terms of side effects between taking tam pills and removing ovaries. I mean.. not sure if the latter would worsen the symptoms of menopause as compared to just taking tam pills. I am experiencing hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness now anyway but still tolerable up to this point. My period has stopped since May 14, after my first chemo session.

 

 

KBeee

I had my ovaries out and had not been having periods due to chemo. Hot flashes were no worse after having ovaries removed,. I was happy to be rid of another girl part that could get cancer someday.