Ovaries

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LKSHER
LKSHER Member Posts: 209
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Please share if you've had your ovaries removed after treatment to prevent a recurrence and are BRCA negative.

Please share if you've had your uterus removed also because your Onc recommends tamoxifen to start even though you have had ovaries suppressed with Lupron and are having ovaries removed.

Please share your knowledge of uterine symptoms on tamoxifen after having had an ablation.

I have posted about this a lot lately, but I am struggling. Thank you if you've already shared.

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  • xercisefreak
    xercisefreak Member Posts: 18
    edited October 2013

    Dear LKSHER:

    I had my ovaries removed at my request, I tested negative for BRCA gene.  I was only 38 at diagnosis and was put on tamoxifen for couple of months until I had ovary removal, then I was put on arimidex.  Have just completed one year on that.  My oncologist did not recommended the ovary removal, but my gyno did.  So, I went for it.  I don't regret it one minute, do what you feel comfortable with.  I had very little downtime after the surgery and do take supplements for eary osteoperosis.  I was told it was from chemo more than likely.  I had six TAC treatments.  Take care and I hope you make peace which ever decision you go with.  

    Take care,

    Becky

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited October 2013

    I had my ovaries removed in November 2011. I didn't get tested for the BRCA gene. 

    Besides hot flashes there are other side effects I have noticed:

    • it is easier to gain weight and harder to take off with less estrogen in the body
    • increased chance of osteoporisis/less bone density
    • skin and hair changes- I have noticed that in 2013 my skin has lost it's elasticity and gets dry-my hair also changed-seems drier, lost some natural curl
    • you can also have fatigue, sleeplessness,fatgue, anxiety problems

    But, then you have the good side effects: less estrogen in the body for cancer to feed on, not worrying about ovarian cancer, etc.

    I guess you have to look at your own cancer, your feelings on it, and determine if the side effects are worth it.

    I wish you the best of luck in deciding what to do. I had some pretty severe period symptoms that I couldn't take meds for, so that played into my decsion. 

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited October 2013

    I had my ovaries removed in November 2011. I didn't get tested for the BRCA gene. I hope you don't mind my chiming in even though I had DCIS.

    Besides hot flashes there are other side effects I have noticed:

    • it is easier to gain weight and harder to take off with less estrogen in the body
    • increased chance of osteoporisis/less bone density
    • skin and hair changes- I have noticed that in 2013 my skin has lost it's elasticity and gets dry-my hair also changed-seems drier, lost some natural curl
    • you can also have fatigue, sleeplessness,fatgue, anxiety problems

    But, then you have the good side effects: less estrogen in the body for cancer to feed on, not worrying about ovarian cancer, etc.

    I guess you have to look at your own cancer, your situation, your feelings on it, and determine if the side effects are worth it. It is not always an easy decision. Hopefully,  you will get that "gut feeling" on what to do.

    I wish you the best of luck in deciding what to do. I had some pretty severe period symptoms that I couldn't take meds for, so that played into my decsion. 

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  • Karina121293
    Karina121293 Member Posts: 370
    edited October 2013

    Hi LKSHER. I didn't get tested for BRCA. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and with all the check ups they found uterus fibrosis. It was not disturbing me, but my onc thought removing my uterus and healthy ovaries too. Since I trusted my onc I agreed and had mastectomy and ooph at the same time. For me it was a good decision as I have one thing less to worry and I don't regret at all. I am on tamoxifen too, which my onc says can be switched to Als after 3-5 years. However, I have gained a bit of waight since the surgery, which is the main problem for me and find it harder to drop it off. Hot flashes are not too bad, quite tolerable. I also started with knee pain, but it subsided after a year or so from starting tamoxifen. I think it was SE of chemo or my body adjusted to tamoxifen slowly. Other than these I have no other SE, skin or hair change, fatigue or insomnia and I am happy with the decision of removing ovaries and uterus. 

    Hope you will decide what's right for you and wish you all the best. Let us know.

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  • LKSHER
    LKSHER Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2013

    I have scheduled surgery for Oct 14th to have my remaining ovary removed. Thank you to everyone.

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  • LKSHER
    LKSHER Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2013


    Ovary and Fallopian tube are out...along with my other Fallopian tube which I was told by my previous surgeon was gone already. Hmmmmm.....


    I feel fine. Nothing major or unexpected to report.


    Thanks again for all the support leading up to my decision. I did leave my uterus.

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


    Oophorectomy following bilat, chemo and rads....BRCA neg......onc recommended it as part of my Tx protocol.....it was hard being thrown into menopause, though I was perimenopausal at time of Dx....its been 7 years and I'm glad to have one thing less to worry about....Onc said no reason to have uterus out as there is no relation between breast and uteran cancer.....and I figured why take something out that is helpful to keep everything in its place!!!!

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