Ooferectomy or Oof & Hysterectomy

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Twiceasnice
Twiceasnice Member Posts: 117
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi Ladies:

I've been on tamox for 2 1/2 years and after seeing my oncologist this week, I'm about 90 percent certain I'm gong to have at least my ovaries removed--possibly my uterus too (though I'm concerned about pelvic prolapse) I was going to wait until the 3-yr mark of Tamoxifen, but I've had 2 close girlfriends diagnosed with cancer (one is triple negative BC) and I think the time is right.

Am I being overreactive? Do most people with my path:  ER+ PR + and HER2+, node positive, get their ovaries removed? I've been on Zoladex for 2 years.

Does anyone have thoughts on ooferectomy vs ooferectomy AND hysterectomy?

My doctor might switch me from Tamox to an AI based on the Pfizer erometase study and the MA17 study. Does anyone have personal experience with the switch before the 5-year mark of being on Tamox?

Thank you!

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited December 2012

    Gemini, I had both removed because I didn't want the tamox (pre-menopausal) and also because of a family history of both ovarian and uterine cancer. I also had a couple of huge fibroids in the uterus that were bothering me, and the gyno could not be sure they would go away with just an ooph. For me, the idea was ot avoid having yet another surgery down the road, so we did the whole thing in one go.

    They left my cervix and the "neck" of the uterus as prevention of prolapse. The surgery solved a lot of problems for me, but losing the uterus does obviously impair sexual functioning and no doctor is going to tell you that apparently, since they all seem to think that thing is only for growing babies.

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited December 2012

    Momine, I have been wondering about the sexual functioning outcomes from ooph and hysterectomy. No one ever seems to mention any adverse outcomes, but I have thought that there must be some loss of function/feeling?



    I'm due a single sided ooph in 2 weeks. The one ovary has a cyst the docs want out, and of course they suggested taking everything out. I refused on the theory that if it ain't broke...



    Jenn

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited December 2012

    I had just the ooph, back in 2009. That is all they would do, so I didn't have to make a decision. I only had 3 months on Tamox and switched to Arimidex after the surgery.

    I just wanted to say that I have had no issues, either with the ooph or with Arimidex. I do believe that Arimidex gives you a higher level of protection than Tamox, and whatever surgery you choose I think you are doing the right thing!



    Good luck with it!

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited December 2012

    Jenn, yes, I find it quite amusing that they won't even discuss it. I guess it depends on how you function prior to the surgery, but for me at least, there is a change. Not an "end of the world" sort of change, but a change all the same.

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  • sherry67
    sherry67 Member Posts: 556
    edited December 2012

    My dr. Said I had to stay on tamoxifen for two years than switch to something else even though I had my ovaries out..

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited December 2012

    My GYN told me that removal of uterus would not affect sexual function/feeling...not sure I believe her.  I chose to just have an ooph as I was sick of people taking my body parts away from me.  Plus, I figured if I had trouble with my uterus I could cross that bridge later.  I'm glad with my decision to have an ooph.  Even though it makes me feel old before my time. 

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  • CherylinOhio
    CherylinOhio Member Posts: 623
    edited December 2012

    I am scheduled to have ovaries removed december 20th. My GYN did say that a lot of women experience sever vaginal dryness, but that seems to be it.  I am not looking at a hysterectomy yet, maybe later.

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  • Twiceasnice
    Twiceasnice Member Posts: 117
    edited February 2013

    I has my oof in Dec 2012 and have been on Tamoxifen about 2 years. I am seeing my oncologist tomorrow to discuss switching to an aromotase inhibitor since I hear studies show good outcomes for those with their ovaries removed after 2 or so years on Tamox.

    Any questions I should ask or issues I should be concerned about in switching? Thanks!

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  • geocachelinda
    geocachelinda Member Posts: 223
    edited March 2013

    I had my ovaries removed after I finished chemo and rads.  My Dr. wanted them out. then I started Femara. 

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  • geocachelinda
    geocachelinda Member Posts: 223
    edited March 2013

    After mine I have vaginal dryness to the point where intercourse is very painful.  I have pretty much completely lost all interest in sex also.  :(

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited March 2013

    i had an ooph.....my onc told me that this was all that was necessary as there is no association with BC and uteran cancer....not that aside, individual history is different...for me, I decided that no reason to remove the uterus and mess with body parts that didn't need to be messed with...I was peri-menopausal prior to Dx and chemo...but the ooph was "slam bam thank you mam instant menopause....I endured 3 1/2 years on AI's but after 3 years off them this month, I still have no libido (what's sex!!!)....vaginal dryness is a big issue.....but I don't have to worry about ovarian cancer!!!  NO easy answers, but for me after thinking I was having a TAH I was happy to just have the ooph done laprascopically. All the best to you....

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