Ooph and side effects

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

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 

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.

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.