OOMPH Versus Hysterectomy?

I did a hysterectomy but left cervix in tact.  I was done with my ovaries anyway and was on tamox. but had a cyst form on each ovary and had uterine thickening from the tamox so I told them to take as much as they wanted.  They saw no reason to take the cervix for me.  My goal is to have as little estrogen in my body as possible since I was 95% ER+.

I'm going to have an ooph for prevention of ovarian ca (Grandma died of ovarian ca) but I'm still on tamox even though I'm post-meno. My onc says he's had good success with 2 1/2 yrs tamox then 2 1/2 yrs AIs for post-meno women. He also was quite specific that he did NOT recommend a hyst.

As far as the uterine ca - the risk for the general population is 1 in 2,000 and the risk with tamox is 1 in 1,000. So while the risk is technically twice as high, it's still a very small risk. Since you can go on an AI after an ooph you might not have to worry about this no matter what. As far as I know having bc does not put you at a higher risk for uterine ca. However, as everyminute has mentioned, there is a higher risk for bladder and incontinence issues with the hyst. I already have a bit of a problem with that (had 6 kids) so I'm not interested in making things worse. Since you've had 4 kids it's something you might want to discuss further with your docs.

I suggest asking lots of "why" questions since it doesn't sound like anyone's given you much in the way of reasons or info. They may have a very good reason for suggesting it but just haven't told you what it is.  (Don't get me started on docs who figure a patient doesn't need to know anthing.)

Best of luck.

Leah

same as Kerry above-- i also opted for the ooph (I'm also on Tamoxifen and may switch to AI's after 2 or 2.5 years).

Jackie

I chose hyster vx ooph. Drs basically left it up to me, but my gyobn was leaning to the full hyster side. After surgery he and I were both pleased that was the choice I made. I had never had issues with my female organs but did have a cousin pass away in her 30's with uterine cancer (hence part of my decision to do the full) he said that he was shocked that my uterus was covered with many cysts when he removed it. Of course he sent it to the lab for testing but all came back b-9.

I would choose the same option again if I had to do it over again. I just turned 49 and am taking tamox but am pretty sure my onco is going to suggest changing to an AI when I see him this coming May.

I think you should ask lots of questions and weigh your odds before making any kind of surgery decisions.

Best wishes

Jule