Ovary Removal After Breast Cancer - Can anyone share?

I was 44 when I had all the baby making parts removed during stage 2 of my reconstruction. It was a very easy surgery with really no pain afterward. I kept asking if they were sure they actually did the hysterectomy. They used the lap-vag technique. My MO said that the latest studies are finding that the only thing the ovaries are really making a significant impact on disease wise was bone health. I can tell you that estrogen has an effect on weight, memory, joints, temperature regulation, and skin. But none of those are diseases-they’re just side effects. And I take supplements to deal with those: curcumin and a blueberry based supplement. I would do it again no problem just for the peace of mind.

So the discussion with my MO where I brought up having my ovaries out- she said that she would rather me keep them and stay on the Lupron for 5 years and then let them go back to functioning so that I would get that protective “boost” back after 5 years. I haven’t asked her about 10 Years yet.

But now with them recognizing that with er+, 5 Years is almost meaningless as far as “cured”, if the new plan is 10 Years... I can save myself a lot of trouble with removal.

I’d be interested to hear what your doc says as well. Thanks for the well wishes! Sending some strength your way. ❤️

I was 49 and pre-menopausal at time of dx. I got my last period the day of my first chemo treatment. Chemo put me in 'chemo pause' and I didn't get my period for the three months while on chemo. I then started monthly Zoladex shots for ovarian suppression as soon as I started radiation with the intention of having ovaries removed once I finished radiation. I always wanted to go straight to AI's instead of tamoxifen so I needed to stay in menopause. I had four months of suppression shots and started anastrozole. Had my ovaries removed last November. I think I was eased into the menopause from chemo/ suppression so by the time I had ovaries removed it was an easy transition. I actually feel better without my ovaries. I used to have severe PMS and hormone fluctuations around my cycle. Those are gone and I feel very even as far as moods. No more food cravings either. I've lost 20 lbs since starting anastrozole. Side effects of anastrozole have been joint pain. I get Prolia shots to counteract bone loss. So I didn't need my ovaries anymore so it was an easy decision for me. The one thing I don't like from lack of estrogen is my skin changes. I look at photos of my self prior and now less than a year later and I feel like I 'look' like I've aged a lot.

I was very eager to get the ovaries out, due to 100% ER and PR. It gave me the choice of more AI drugs. My GYN was absolutely for ovary removal.

Yes, it's "old school" to remove the ovaries, but if I never took another AI pill again, I would know ER/PR creation has been reduced.

Bird lover- I did the suppression for just four months so it was four shots.

I have had two Prolia shots so far. I get them every six months. I have not had any side effects yet. I'm not sure how quickly they show up. I've read you have to look out for jaw necrosis and also immediatelyafter the shot there have been some people who've had femur fractures. I've been absolutely fine. My endocrinologist handles the Prolia and the bone loss part of my care. I had osteopoenia at my bone density test before I started taking the AI's and was so close to osteoporosis that he said I needed to take the Prolia. I just had my second shot two weeks ago and he's already given me an appt for another bone density prior to my next shot in Dec which will be at a year to see if there's any change. I think as long as you are in AI's you have to worry about bone loss as it's a known side effect. Also my doctor says there was a study done where results showed that women who had Prolia had a lower percentage of breast cancer recurrence, not even just bone mets but mets anywhere. I've tended to go with every percentage point I can get as far as treatments.

Best of Luck with your decisions! It's not easy.