How many of you had BC and now face hysterectomy?

HI - I haven't had BC, however, I have had 5 years of breast problems and a ductal excision.  Last year, I had an emergency hysterectomy because out of nowhere, I'd developed two large uteran fibroids and I was bleeding severely. The options were to be on provera (massive amount of estrogen) 10 days a month with no bleeding, then bleed 20 days; try ablation, which sometimes doesn't work; or just pull everything out since I was 44 and done with these now optional parts that could also cause me cancer.  I had the hyster and also left the ovaries, didn't want to take menopause hormones that could feed my breast issues.I've also started having ovarian cysts in the last few years. After never having "girl problems", this all started along with my breast issues. Hmm. 

 After the hyster, I felt so much better!! I used to have occasional migraines with my periods, they went away.  I had a breast cyst that also popped up out of nowhere during this event and it disappeared.  Also the lack of the monthly "event" is so wonderful!  Not worrying about cervical or uteran cancer is also awesome. However, I have ovarian CA in my family (my grandma died from it) so I rolled the dice. 

 I hope your surgery and recovery both go well!  

I just had a total hysterectomy five days ago.  I prepared myself for instant menopause by getting Lupron shots and Arimidex.  I had a BMX in January, so technically, all my woman parts are gone.  I am up and about since day two, but I am forcing myself to stay indoors since I can overdo it.  I feel sore and bloated, but so glad this surgery is behind me. I am BRCA1+, so my odds of getting ovarian cancer was over 80%.  I don't know if I am going to continue with Arimidex. - hot flashes are pretty bad on this drug and my joints hurt.  When I stopped it, hot flashes are minimal and joints don't hurt.

Naughty, I have been chemically menopausal for almost seven months now, and I am at my normal weight (a bit under due to weight loss).  I lost five pounds since January, but it is all stress related.  My diet has changed a little - I cut out processed meats, but eat and drink the same things as before cancer.  I did work out for 1 1/2 hours daily prior to bc, but now I am a slug.  So I lost weight, but I also lost muscle tone.  Once I recover from the next surgery, I will be hitting the gym - Hard!!

Naughty~ I have a prolapsed uterus, fibroids, and enlarged uterus as well and am scheduled 9/13/2011 for hysterectomy(keeping ovaries altho my gynnie wanted to take them, but after research and thinking long and hard decided to keep them and monitor). I totally get that "not right down there feeling". I jokingly call mine "the turtle"! Mine started with my 2nd pregnancy at 32. Was fine afterwards(no issues at all) until this past December 2010 at 41 years old. Decided to go and have it out and surgery was scheduled for March 2011 and then got the BC diagnosis in February 2011. Hyster moved to back burner obviously. So...since I still needed my last nipple creation surgery for my foobs I asked if they could do them both at the same time which they agreed. Two for one anesthesia!!! Funny(or maybe not so) is now that I have a date I'm really sad for losing my uterus. I'm done with kids, but it's the..."been thru a lot this year, one more surgery, and just the fact that it's SOOO permanent" kind of thing. Funny, losing my boobs was no big deal compared to how I feel about my uterus! On the flip side in researching(the net and hospital library at the hospital where I work) I came across a lot of interesting info. The main one for me was there seems to be a decrease in ovarian cancer with hysterectomy(of course keeping ovaries). That made me feel good as I know that is what my gynnie is worried about. I'm not BRCA positive tho so felt that altho my ovarian cancer risk is higher with having had BC, it's still not a blaring risk.I was not ready to go into menopause and had I not had the prolapse they wouldn't be discussing taking anything out. I've heard of the ovaries shutting down with surgery, but that it's rare. All in all I keep telling myself it'll all b fine and "no periods" is the silver lining. Of course as my friend reminded me...you have 2 daughters you will still be buying feminine hygiene products for a LONG time! I also saw a PT for pelvic floor exercises initially(back in January while I was still deciding as to wether to have hyster or not) which I'm doing to prepare b/c my gynnie says it will only help to strengthen that area wether I opted for surgery or not.

Hi robo47



I'm new to this site and forum. I can't tell you how interesting I found your 8/1 post. I totally think they are related.q



I was on medroxyprogesterone for about 3 years for a polyp. No history of bc in family and genetic testing negative. Was diagnosed 1/5 of this year. Just finished chemo and will be starting radiation in 2 weeks.



After diagnosis I looked upvthe side effects from this drug . . . Almost passed out! Every other word was bc!



So yes I totallyvbelieve they are related!



Sue

After my BMX, my oncologist and surgeon recommended I get my ovaries out. The original surgery had to be cancelled cuz of clerical error. I saw my surgeon this week to discuss it again and 9 month chest check up. At the appt. she brought up a total hysterectomy. I was taken off guard with the possibility of a new plan and a bit scared. I asked her the negatives and positives.She explained what all they take out and asked, what exactly the uterus is for.. babies.Well, that makes it a useless organ for me! She said it will shrivel up anyway. After talking about to two friends and my partner, I decieded to go ahead and take it all out.MY mastectomy choice was much easier. I knew right away. I have already started hot flashes naturally, so I figure get it over with..ha ha.. bring on the menopause, I am gonna be in it some day anyway. And At least I know that I wont have to worry about endometrial cancers down the line. Not that I think I will get it, but one less organ to think about.So if something should happen down the line cancer or otherwise, its all out and I dont have to go through another surgery..Bummer is I heal slower than normal, so it could be another winter without ice fishing.  Last winter (and still yet) dealing with the BMX and now the nerve damage and scar tissue...But hopefully, knock on wood, this will be it...but you know how that goes...

Hi

I have also had a Vaginal Hysterectomy almost two years ago but  kept my ovaries. I had my tubes tied when I was thirty so I thought there was no reason to take them out. I had a VH only because I had a double cervix and a Uterus with a wall down the middle another reason I had my tubes tied. Everything went as planned and recovered fully. I had cysts before I had my hysterectomy two years ago but now some things have changed in my breasts and now there are a bunch of complex cysts but I am not sure if that has anything to do with the hysterectomy. I am still going through tests another one in two days to find out more info of what my breasts are up to. I don't regret ever getting a Hysterectomy because I no longer have my periods which were a nightmare to deal with (extreme heavy bleeding monthly) enough that I would become anemic and had to take pills to bring the Iron levels back up, so I don't miss that at all. I still get all the monthly symptoms of a period though eg. bloating, migraines,cravings,moody and very tender breasts and as far as I know I'm not in my menopause yet and I am 45 years old.  Although I can say I never thought about my ovaries ever giving me problems and the surgeon said they looked fine.  

P.S. I did put in an order to the doctor about a tummy tuck when they were doing the hysterectomy but when I awoke from surgery I found I had just as much skin as before LOL. 

I took the six weeks to recover before going back to work and tried to take it easy until then and did do allot of cat naps as needed LOL. Within the first week I was feeling much better but still didn't want to push it just in case LOL  Two years later and everything in that respect is just fine with no side effects.  

Good luck and take the time you need, your body will let you know when your ready