Ovary Removal or not?

Kiwikiwi
Kiwikiwi Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

My doctor wants to remove my last ovary (first went in 1999). I had a D & C yesterday because after only 9 months on Tamoxifen, I have thickening uterus wall. She said she usually recommends taking out ovaries of breast cancer patients. I had only lumpectomies (2 of them 9 days apart). Tamoxifen has been horrible with 30 lbs weight gain and pain in legs, bones, veins etc. The good thing is i cut the Tamoxifen in half and take half with breakfast and half with dinner. This softens the blow. The doctor said it was OK to do this so if you are having trouble with Tamoxifen, maybe try this.

Anyone got any experience at removal of ovaries? Some people are saying do a total hysterectomy if I am taking out the ovary. I am 56 years old so am way over childbirth etc. but wonder what problems will come along after this. Would appreicate responses from anyone who has gone through this! I had  no chemo or radiation. JUST TAMOXIFEN!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited November 2011

    Kiwikiwi, which doc is recommending this? Onc? Gyn? You might want to speak to both before you make your decision.

    Your family history will often play a part in this decision. Are you BRCA+? Even without that do you have relatives who have had bc or ovarian ca?

    Are you past menopause? I would assume at 56 you are but was curious because in the U.S. tamox is usually (though not always) only given to pre-meno women. Ooph is often recommended for pre-meno women to reduce the amount of estrogen produced.

    So here's what happened with me. Even though I'm BRCA- I have a family history of bc and ovarian ca so had my ovaries removed at the age of 59. I was post-meno so it was done to greatly reduce the risk of ovarian ca. The surgery was done laparoscopically. I had no pain at all from the surgery (and I must admit I was very surprised by that!). I also had no other SEs from the removal of my ovaries but that was because I was post-meno. I was completely knocked out in general from the surgery for about 2 weeks but then got back to myself. When I spoke to my onc about that and about being told it was "easy surgery" he said, "There is no such thing as easy surgery".

    Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

    Leah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PT63
    PT63 Member Posts: 329
    edited November 2011

    Hi Kiwikiwi

    I started Tamoxifen in January 2007.  My only side effects were uterine thickening and rapidly growing fibroids.  I was not BRCA positive.  I had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy in June of 2008.  I was not post-menopausal before surgery.  I had no problems with the laparoscopic surgery.  I have had no problems since then. I could not change to a different med so I have been on Tamox. even after post- surgical- menopause.  I think you should definitely get 2nd opinions but I have never regretted my decision.  Good Luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cd1234
    cd1234 Member Posts: 169
    edited November 2011

    Hi,

    I developed a nasty disease called Porphyria as a result of 11 months on Tamoxifen. My Onc reccomended an ooph, my OB agreed and suggested I have a complete hysterectomy at the same time. I did not hesitate for a minue. Lapro was easy, and I am one year out and feeling great. I was 39 when I had it done, the hot flashes were crazy at first, but now only once in awhile.

    Good luck and take care, 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories