Ovary and Tube removal in a couple weeks.. what to expect

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Cherry02031978
Cherry02031978 Member Posts: 20
edited January 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi everyone! I'm 38, have ER/PR IDC in my left breast and clear nodes. I had a lumpectomy in Nov., and I'm almost finished with radiation. Didn't have to do chemo because of my very low Oncotype score. I'm getting my ovaries and tubes out in a couple weeks, laparoscopically. I'm scared to death to go into surgical menopause as soon a I awake. What kind if symptoms shoud I expect and with taking Femera? How is the surgery recovery?

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  • Kdell63
    Kdell63 Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2017

    Hi Cherry,

    I had the surgery Oct. 2015, and it was easy - honestly the easiest surgery I've had. A couple tiny incisions, and they went in through my navel. I was not menopausal, but I was starting some pre-menopausal symptoms. I think there's a lot you can do to combat the symptoms, and the science seems to be getting better as far as our understanding of it.

    I had a very low oncotype score, too, so I've had the luxury of going on and off several of the AI's for 18 months. Femara seems to be something that I'll be able to live with, but this week I'm having more than the normal amount of joint pain. At first the hot flashes really were awful, but it's better now, and it's been over a year.

    I just remind myself that I didn't have a choice - and I don't miss my period at all!

    Hang in there, and best wishes to you.

    Kath


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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited January 2017

    I just had my uterus, cervix, ovaries and tubes removed on 1/24. My other alternative was to shut down my ovaries for 2 years with Zoladex. Most women my age were or are in menopause, and I was not near it. I had a really terrific surgeon and got on the Hystersisters website to learn about what to expect. We did an LAVH - laprascopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy plus ovaries and tubes. My advice is to get moving every day, log at least 4000 steps. This will help your recovery. You will not wake up in menopause and it might take several weeks to see any side effect. Estrogen is stored in the fat cells in the body, which is good and bad. Good if you are going through this and do not want an abrupt wake up a few days after surgery. Your doctor will probably have you wait on taking anti hormonals until your 8 week recovery. Your internal stitches and organs need to heal before you put them into abrupt chemical shutdown. Work with you MO to decide a plan that is right for you. You did not mention your cervix or uterus. I had my uterus taken as well, because if I want to try tamoxifen, I don't have to worry about uterine hyperplasia or cancer. I am glad it is done, I am tired. Come and check out my thread.....Uplifting and Positive Messages in the Hormonal forum....

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  • Variable
    Variable Member Posts: 77
    edited January 2017

    What determines which surgery is best following a BC diagnosis? I have fibroids and a thick uterine lining already, so the recommendation from gyno was hysterectomy prior to BC diagnosis, but now seems so much more imperative now that ER+ status and tomoxifen are in the mix. While I have not been diagnosed with uterine cancer, I am also worried that DaVinci method may spread some undiagnosed cells around. I am 47 and premeopausal, and terrified of the consequences either way. Treatment decisions are so daunting!

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