Lupron vs Oophorectomy

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AkRaven
AkRaven Member Posts: 13
edited August 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
I finished my bc treatment Dec 1 2006 (Surg,chemo,rads) I made it to one year without a period(party time!) and then wham it returned two weeks later (with a vengence). My Onc said if I have 3 periods in a row I will need Lupron shots. I am 45, on Tamoxifen & just started period number 2. I have a family hx of ovarian ca and would prefer to just have an oophorectomy. I wonder if anyone has been in a similar situation and had problems with the insurance coverage for that operation? I'm thinking that they might not want to pay for surgery when shots could bring the same result--though not the same peace of mind. Undecided
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  • moonie
    moonie Member Posts: 194
    edited November 2007

    Hi!

    I was dxd @ 47 w/ no signs of menopause approaching.  I had an ooph just a few months after my mast.  For me, it was an easy surgery, done on a Wednesday and  back to work on Monday.  I did it because I wanted to get rid of all that nasty estrogen and also because I wanted to take an AI.

    I had no problem w/ insurance paying for it.  I think once you have that bc dx, it's a pretty common surgery.

    Good luck to you!

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  • morgansmom
    morgansmom Member Posts: 134
    edited November 2007

    I was dx at 37 and treated with tamoxifen & lupron for 6 months but really did not like the lupron shops.  They left itchy knots under my skin for months.  The ooph was a very easy outpatient procedure... the most difficult part for me was remembering not to lift anything heavy (kids, laundry, groceries, etc) for about two weeks.  The lupron shots are  expensive, too, so I don't think most insurance companies have any objections to paying for the surgery.  I agree with you about the peace of mind.  It is a relief for me to know my ovaries are gone and not producing estrogen.  Somehow surgery seemed like a better idea to me than chemically supressing them forever and now that I am post-menopausal there are so many different hormonal therapies that we can consider.

    Good luck!

    Mindy

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited November 2007

    I don't see why you would have any insurance issues getting an oophorectomy done given your bc and family hx.  Many ladies on this site have had the procedure done (myself included) for various reasons.  If this will give you peace of mind and is your preferred treatment then by all means persist with your doctor or find another doctor who will support your decision.

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited November 2007

    I am 43, diagnosed 2 years ago, er/pr+ and had 3 positive nodes.  I have been on Zoladex injections which are similar to Lupron for a year.  I do not like the hassle of getting the injections every 3 months, they are expensive and would rather have my ovaries out for peace of mind.

    I am now in the process of being referred to a gynecologist to have them removed, hopefully early next year.

    My oncologist is actually the one that recommended they be removed due to my age, chemo didnt put me into menopause and god knows how long I would have to continue on the injections at this rate.....

    Your bc sister

    Michele 

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  • Ashirgir
    Ashirgir Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2018

    And what did you end up doing? How do you feel now?

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