Finished chemo,considering Oophorectomy/Hysterectomy-confused!

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dblomom
dblomom Member Posts: 13
edited July 2015 in Stage II Breast Cancer

I just finished my chemo regiment (4 AC/4 Taxol) on June 18. I saw my MO yesterday to get my "next phase" lined out. I was diagnosed with stage 2a, ER+, PR+, HER2-, had a double mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemo and am gene negative (but my maternal gma had bc). Because I am premenopausal, we discussed starting Tamoxifen today. We also discussed having my ovaries removed and/or a complete hysterectomy. I have gone at this as aggressive as I know and don't want to leave any stone un-turned. However, I am second guessing my thoughts of the Oophorectoomy/Hysterectomy....is that too invasive? Am I better off to leave it alone and do just the Tamoxifen? I am sure there are positives and negatives to both scenarios, but I am wondering how I choose? I have made so many decisions over the last 6+ months and frankly, am tired of it. If you did or didn't go with the additional surgery, how did you make your decision(s)? Any input is greatly appreciated.

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  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 1,755
    edited July 2015

    I sent you a PM on this topic. Please advise if you have any questions.


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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited July 2015

    Hey lady - I did an ooph in April due to uterine issues with tamoxifen. At 54 I figured it wouldn't be too tough. I was wrong! I guess my body likes estrogen a lot. You might try Tamoxifen for a few months, get a bit farther out from dx then decide. I'm so glad you're done with chemo! Big hug

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  • dblomom
    dblomom Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2015

    Thanks, ladies! I am truly grateful for the advice and information.


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  • ladyboss1997
    ladyboss1997 Member Posts: 202
    edited July 2015

    I did an ooph and hysterectomy 7 months after completing chemo. I am BRCA1. It was the best decision I ever made. Unlike Farmerlucy, estrogen was really mucking things up for me. I felt WONDERFUL afterwards. And I was back at work in 2 weeks. Fortunately they were able to do is laproscopy. And I am also taking Letrozole.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited July 2015

    Dblomom, I researched this a lot, talking to three gynecologists and three oncologists a few years ago. The gyns all liked the idea of surgery, and the oncs all liked the idea of just drugs!

    First, you can probably try ovarian suppression with lupron or zoladex to get a "preview" before deciding on the oophorectomy. Second, why would you have a hysterectomy instead of just a laparoscopic oophorectomy? I wouldn't want the added short-term and long-term risks of a hysterectomy without a good reason.

    I know, the decision-making is exhausting.

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  • waiting-to-exhale
    waiting-to-exhale Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2015

    Dblomom- i just finished ACT as well and am discussing next steps with my MO. I am 39 years old.

    I am going to start tamoxifen and then once my period starts I will try monthly zoladex. Then maybe I will think about the oophorectomy. I kind of like the easing in approach. We've been through alot and there is no shortage of tough decisions.



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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited July 2015

    How was your "gene negative" status determined? There is more out there than BRCA. Perhaps your family carries a different mutation. That knowledge could help inform your decision. Ask your counselor if a more broadly based panel test would be advisable.

    I agree that you might want to try other options prior to surgery, depending on your age (which looks to be pretty young!) You can buy time and then have the ooph once these recent experiences have become part of your past. A hysterectomy may not be needed.

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