Sapling-oophorectomy - has anyone out there had it?

I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer three years ago at age 42. My oncologist has me on Letrozole (Femara), which she says is more effective than Tamoxifen. Because I am premenopausal and it's only effective if you're postmenopausal, I've been on Lupron which effectively puts one in chemical menopause. I dislike Lupron and am opting to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed - surgical menopause - in six weeks. Now that I'm actually reading about the procedure, risks and recovery, of course I'm getting a little nervous. My procedure will be laprascopic, though it'll be a bit complicated by having an umbilical hernia repair with mesh at the same time.

Thanks in advance for any advice, encouragement, warning, etc.!

Hi Alaskamama! I had one done a couple years ago along with a D&C. For me it was a very easy surgery, and recovery was a snap. I was just a bit tired and took it easier for a couple days. The worst part of it is the gas they use to "inflate" so they can see things, rises to your shoulders and is a little painful.

The tough part was losing my estrogen, but you've already been there. Best wishes!

I had it done last September. The surgery was super easy and I was at the baseball fields the next morning. All I needed was Ibuprofen for a couple days. Thankfully I didn't have any issues with the gas. I had been getting Zoladex shots for about six months before surgery. The only difference was that the hot flashes increased for a couple months. Good luck!

I don't have any experience with the umbilical hernia but I do know about the ooph. I had mine done this part December along with some reconstruction. I am the biggest baby ever but the surgery was the easiest I've been through. AnotherMichelle is correct. The surgery is so easy that you forget to take it easy but you better because I learned the hard way that it's easy to overdo it! Your body will let you know when you've done too much. Give yourself time to heal. You will get tired really easy for the first couple of weeks. Fatigue will probably be your biggest complaint. I was really worried about the menopausal symptoms coming but I was pleasantly surprised. The biggest complaint I have are the hot flashes but that could be from the tamoxifen! LOL!!! If you take a couple of weeks off from you work, that would be great. Don't worry! You can do this!!! If you have any questions, please let me know! Hope this helps! Good Luck

Thank you so much! This is such a supportive and helpful community. I feel better about it - and will sure to stock up on pads, magnesium, ibuprofen and good humor. And a little patience ... I learned that the hard way! Thanks for the reminder. Best in health and wellbeing to all of you from your sistah in the AK.