August 2014 Surgery

I was given tamoxifen but never started it. I am very worried about the SE's of that drug. I figured the ooph would be enough to stop the production of estrogen which is why I chose to do that instead of taking the tamoxifen. THen I would be on an AI of some sort. I just hope I am making the right decision in having this surgery. I am afraid of menopause because of horror stories Ive heard like women loosing their sex drive, painful sex, weight gain and a lot more. I just don't know. I am obviously going to be forced into meopause one way or another whether its by taking tamoxifen or by having the ooph. Atleast if I have the ooph there will be no chance of ever getting ovarian cancer. I am going to be 42 at the end of December. I still have a lot of life in me...I have a 12 year old daughter and a 16 year old son. My family is loaded with cancer and I don't want my kids to have to worry about me dying from cancer ever again..

Okay Ganzgirl.  Now please remember that I'm not at all associated with any medical profession, I just like to look stuff up on the internet. Take my opinion as one viewpoint and then make your own decision. (Obviously,,,but I feel the need for a standard disclaimer)

A little rudimentary research into tamoxifen risks versus ovary removal seems to indicate that tamoxifen has far fewer risks. Pre-menopausal ovary removal seems to carry with it a host of higher risk potentials.  Plus all the problems of forced early menopause, like increased risk for osteoporosis.  And the one source I found (a medical source) admitted they don't know all the risks.  The only risks stated about tamoxifen (that I found) include standard menopause symptoms and a slightly higher risk of uterine cancer.  Particularly if they are talking 5 years of tamoxifen, then the chance of going through a normal menopause, to me, that seems the better option.

A lot of the research I follow believes that cancer is an immune system issue.  According to that way of thinking, we all have cancer cells floating about in our bodies...a natural mutation that our immune systems should annilhilate. For whatever reason...missing nutrients, toxin overload, periods of high stress...sometimes our immune system just fails to recognize the cancer cells as bad, and doesn't kill them off. And we get "cancer."  That's the reason why so many natural practitioners are so virulently against medicine's cut, poison and burn protocol.  Because they lower the immune system further.  That's possibly the reason why many people get major recurrences so soon after getting an all clear.  (Or maybe that's just my personal experience from my cancer-ridden family)

So here's what I think you should do...talk to several professionals.  Talk to your surgeon, your oncologist, another oncologist, a cancer counsellor and a naturopath.  

Me, I wouldn't get the surgery myself.  But that's just me.

As for daily life on tamoxifen, I've only been on it for 50 days now.  The hot flashes/night sweats are irritating, but I'll work on reducing those once things have calmed down for me.  I haven't noticed a lack of sex drive or dryness (but to be truthful, the desire is there but I haven't felt like acting on it because of all this). No aches and pains.  Thus far I haven't gained or lost anything. (Maybe a little gain, but I've been recouperating from stuff and not being very active) That's pretty much it.  And my natural menopause symptoms before the tamoxifen were pretty minor.

I also think that the AI have similar side effects, by the way.

The side effects started pretty quickly for me.  So you could always start the Tamoxifen and see how it goes for a couple of months, then get the surgery if you find it intolerable.  If you get the surgery, it's forever! 

Mlandra...thank you so much for all the input, gives me more to consider...I stll have till the 17th to decide.  already had a hysterectomy after I had my daughter in 2002 for fibroids. God  just don't know what to do. Maybe I will start the tamox now and see how  I do on it tll the 17th ???

Oh I'm off the pain meds now. It's remarkable how the body heals. I wasn't expecting it this quickly because it was muscle and nerve pain, and those can take a while. I can sit for a few minutes at a time now, and the same with standing...but that makes life very boring!  I tore through the movies and TV shows on my tablet and yesterday dh set up my laptop on my bedstand so I can watch dvds. I might be ready to read, which will help. There are some odd grinding/clicking feelings sometimes, which have me a tad concerned, but I have a physio appointment in just over a week, so I'll get him to check it out.

Yay Milandra!  Have fun watching your DVDs.  I hope you have a good snack too! XXX

Hi!

milandra - hope you are recovering well!

Had PT again this morning, went well...Of course, I am very tired now..I am supposed to do leg exercises on the days I don't go to PT. But I am completely wiped out for at lease 2 days..I am going slow..I must say I feel better though after a few days..I am feeling stronger! By the time I have my next surgery on Dec 10th, I should be stronger in my legs..The hard work will pay off!

hey ladies!

So on Friday, I had my twenty biopsies. They couldn't complete them all, only got 75% because they broke a blood vessel. Now I just have to hope that they got enough and that the pathology comes back soon.

Until then, just relaxing. Am sore and bruised. Next appt is with PS at the end of the month to decide about how to fix my scar. Does anyone have experience in hypertrophic scars and or keloids?

yes, resting up. Anxious for the results!

Well...Ive decided to have the ooph. Ally so glad you got your date and thanks for all the info ..so appreciated ! So, Monday is coming quickly..and I think Im more freaked out by this surgery than I was with the bmx..Ally if your correct then the welcomed NO MORE MOOD SWINGS are much welcomed. I have been so all over the place for the last 4 months or so. I haven't had a period in over 10 years but I think I still get pms...so glad to not have that ever again! Poor bf wants to run away lol...I told him "take me with you"...well that wouldn't be running away now would it lol. But not looking forward to joint pain...maybe I will get lucky with that .. Anyway...once again, getting my ducks in a row for Monday.

Ganz, is your sx Monday already? That fast? Report in! I will be in the bag for you! XXX

Imheretoo - thanks for reaching out.

I have three weeks in between each cycle.  Last Friday was my second infusion and all has not gone well this time.  We found out yesterday that I have developed two blood clots.  One is near the catheter in my neck and one is under my arm.  The pain and discomfort, I think, is worse that the BMX. 

I started on Lovenox injections yesterday and will continue them until Monday or Tuesday depending on my blood work on Monday.  I also started Coumadin in pill form last night and will take that probably until chemo is done in March/April.

I go today for my weekly blood work and for another Lovenox injection.  I am hoping the my WBC are good and that I won't need a Neupogen shot.

Thanks!  All in all, I still consider myself to be lucky.  My cancer was caught early.  My BS got everything with clean margins.  Nothing was in my lymph nodes and I am taking chemo as extra insurance.

I just glad that I have an excellent medical team that listens and takes great care of me.  I am also thankful for family and friends and for the support I have found here.

Everyday will get better. 

Ganzgirl, Thinking of you and hoping all goes smoothly.

Thank you ladies ! The ooph went well. I had surgery at 10:30 am and was home by 6 pm. I could've stayed overnight but chose not to. My gyn onc surg said one of the ovaries looked suspicious, but wont know anything until final pathology is back in about a week. More waiting now..didn't really expect to hear that  I am a little sore but it's not to bad, nothing like the bmx ! My scars are going to be minimal since it was done laproscopically. She went thru my belly button and made two small incisions on the left side of my stomach.. Does anyone know how to find the November surgery thread ? Glad to see everyone else is doing ok