Have a hysterectomy or no??

I think you are wise to ask questions. It sounds like you need more discussion with both your gynecologist and your oncologist. It isn't necessarily a small thing to have a total hysterectomy. I would inquire about possible complications from hysterectomy, such as prolapse or sexual dysfunction vs. your cancer risk. I would ask to know about all treatment options. What does your oncologist think about these surgeries for you? I have the impression that ob-gyns recommend surgery more than oncs do.

Absence of menstruation on Tamoxifen does not necessarily mean you are post-menopausal. The ovaries could be very actively producing estrogen. Or, if you were close to natural menopause, it may have nudged you there. Has your doctor verified that you are post-menopausal with blood tests for FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and E2 (estradiol)? Why would they remove your ovaries if you are post-menopausal? Do you have some particular genetic risk for ovarian or uterine problems? If you are pre-menopausal, what about removing the ovaries only, or shutting them down with lupron?

I'm having a hyst on 11/8, but for me, there's no other option. I have severe endometriosis, and now that I can't take continuous bcp's anymore to control it, I'm debilitated every time I get my period. If they put me on tamoxifen, it would put the endometriosis on steroids; meanwhile, I can't take Lupron because of depression.

I just had a period this week, and I was reminded of exactly why I need this surgery. I'm anxious about it, but it has to be done. It really should have been done a long time ago.

I posted part of this message on another thread but it still applies. For those of you embarking on surgery soon, prayers for a healthy recovery, for those of you contemplating, I’d do it again if need be; after what I’ve been thru this was nothing

I just had a robotic, laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy and salpingo oophorectomy on 9/27. My BC was ER+, my onc really left it up to me because she said she could medically shut down my ovaries. In January 2017 I had a Lupron shot and went every 3 months even though I hadn't had a cycle since May 2016 when I started chemo. Even tho I was not BRCA 1 or 2 positive I did test positive for the CHEK2 mutation which out me at risk for BC not ovarian. After talking to my onc and ob/gyn I decided I wasn't going to take any chances and had my uterus and ovaries removed. I'm about 5 weeks out and I feel great. Since I hadn't had a cycle in over a year and by having the Lupron shots I already had the hot flash thing which since my surgery has actually decreased. I feel great and my recovery has been a breeze, I went back to work last week (my job isn't physically demanding) and I listen to my body. My choice was really based on the fact that I wanted to reduce my chance of reccurance as much as I could. I figured it's better to be proactive rather than reactive.

Michelle