Ooph and side effects
Hi,
I'm 34, have 2 young children (5 years old and 18 month old) and was dx with triple Neg BC in 08. Had neoadjuvant chemo and then bilateral mx with immediate reconstruction. The path report of mx showed NO sign of Cancer. I am BRCA 1+ and decided that I need to get the ooph.
My brain tells me this is the smartest choice for my future and the future of my children.
In my heart, I am totally scared out of mind about the menopause sysmptoms. I am only 34. I'm afraid this will totally change the dynamics of my marriage. I experienced temporary menopause during chemo and it SUCKED!!!!!
Are there other young women out there who have chosen this surgery. How bad are the symptoms? How are you handling the sexual issues? How much have your sexual relationships changed?
Will the drs prescribe hormones for the symptoms after having BC? I think they'll be pretty hesitant to give out hormones, won't they? If not, what can be done to minimize these symptoms?
Please anyone, tell me there's a bright side after this surgery?
Thanks,
Ninel
Comments
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Since you are triple neg. they might give you hormones. I have a friend that is 36 and had a hyser/ooph and did not have very many problems. I think it just depends on the person, some do well, others don't. There is a bright side- you won't have periods any more (if that helps you any, and you won't have to worry about getting ovarian cancer)! Peace to you, Tami
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Hi ninel,
I have no cancer but I am BRCA1. Last year (37), I decided to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy.
I have all of the menopause side effects (insomnia, hotflashes, nightsweats, vaginal dryness, arthitis, loss of libido). It is pretty tough!!! I have been married for 1 year and half. Got my genetic results 1 month after my wedding. Didn't have time for honeymoon years!
Sex doesn't mean anything to me anymore
((((. My husband does suffer! Ounce every 10 days, I kick myself in the butt and make love with my husband ;o(
The bright side?!??! no more period ;o)))
Good luck!
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Ninel,
I am triple negative, and BRCA2+. My doctors said that I could have HRT after my oopherectomy if I needed it for symptoms of menopause, but that was before I had blood clots during chemo. Now I can't... but that's for a completely different reason. The bottom line is that your cancer isn't receptive to hormones, so you shouldn't have a problem with hormone replacement therapy, at least for the first few years to help with the intense symptoms of menopause. Talk to your doctors about it.
Michelle
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Hi strngwmn39,
My oncologist refuses to give me any kind of HRT. Only as a last resort she said.
So you've had your ooph already? How are your side effects?
Ninel
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I had a ooph and total hysterectomy back in december. I do have hotflashes (but am also on tamoxifen which causes them) other than that I am not sure that I have any side effects. Skin seems ok - I use vitamin e, sex life is good, a little achy creaky joint issues but also can be from tamox and I take glucosomine.
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I'm four weeks post Hyst/OOph surgery and it's not been too bad. I suffer most from not sleeping well but it's mostly due to getting too hot/hot flash as I sleep. (I get at least 4-5 a night.) During the day I've had an occasional hot flash but it's not been bad. I am ER/PR+ and HER2-.
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I tested positive for a new gene mutation called BRIP1 in November. As you may know, it carries a elevated risk for ovarian and breast cancer. It is a fairly new gene mutation and there are not clear cut guidelines on how patients should proceed.
So, here's what has happened so far:
My mom told me she had the BRIP1 gene mutation and when I went to my OBGYN in Nov. he recommended that I see a genetic counselor. So, we mapped my family cancer history (high in ovarian and breast, especially on my maternal side) and she ran the genetic panel. So, like I said, I have this BRIP1 mutation.
Next- the genetic counselors recommended I see a gynecological oncologist. I did that, and she was very informative and we discussed options.
She said she could do a laproscopic surgery and remove the ovaries, but also mentioned the possibility of taking out my uterus as well. She said that way, I may be able to take some low dosages of hormones to help with the instant menopause onset (hormones are still very controversial too). She said this can be a lifestyle change and can cause problems for some people. A friend told me her surgical menopause was horrific and that she still deals with the side effects on a daily basis. There is no screening for ovarian cancer and it is a silent killer and often when found it is too late. I don't want that, but also have a history of depression and those side effects scare me.
In the meantime, Dr.set me up with a transvaginal ultrasound to check on things until I make any decisions about my ovaries and any possible surgery.
The genetic con. also recommended that I see a breast oncologist, so I did that too. I met Dr. Oncologist for breasts and she set me up with a breast MRI on this Friday, and I had a 3d Mammogram last week, she wants to do the MRI this week bc I have dense tissue.
Dr. Breast Oncologist mapped out some plans of action that I can take- ranging from least aggressive to most aggressive. Of course, she said I can get 3d mammos twice a year, or I can see a medical oncologist and take a preventative med... I think tomoxifin or something like that??? My friend at work took tomoxifin and it caused severe blood clotting issues, so I am just trying to learn as much as I can.
The breast oncologist also looked at my breasts and gave me a few options if I wanted to do a double mastectomy. She referred me to plastic surgeon to discuss those options for different types of mastectomies.
So, I am definitely in the information gathering stage and am seeking as much info as I can find.
Any insights would be helpful and appreciated. Thank you. I'm 36.
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