Oopherectomy for Brca2 vs Hysterectomy with BSO

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B-A-P
B-A-P Member Posts: 525

Hi everyone,


So Had my surgical consult today for my ovary removal. I carry the Brca 2 gene and my MO said it's a good idea to remove the ovaries to prevent reoccurrence. I am totally okay with doing it but I asked my OB about a hysterectomy instead as Ive had abnormal paps on and off for the last 10 years. Ive had a LEEP 2 years ago, and it was successful until my most recent PAP. He was okay with doing it and said it is my choice. I have been hesitant to make a decision as I know the hysterectomy carries more risk of bleeding. I was wondering if anyone here could share their experience with either. I know the decision is ultimately up to me but I don't know if the risk of a bigger surgery is warranted at this point for something like abnormal paps. I don't want to make a decision either way out of fear ( Fear of worse complications or doing it because I'm afraid of other cancers)


Thanks :)


Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2019

    B-A-P, there is a school of thought that ovarian cancer may start in the tubes. Read this article from MD Anderson about BRCA1/2 and Salpingectomy:

    https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/oncolog/fallopian-tube-removal-may-reduce-ovarian-cancer-risk.h11-1591413.html

    .

  • B-A-P
    B-A-P Member Posts: 525
    edited April 2019

    Thanks Melissa!

    I've seen that article before :) . Definitely getting at least the ovaries and tubes removed. My dilemma is whether or not to remove everything especially due to continuous abnormal Paps. Im worried about hysterectomies carrying more complications from surgery. I don't want to make a decision out of fear on both sides of the issue. I've come so far, and this is my last step besides radiation. I just don't want anymore setbacks

  • CBK
    CBK Member Posts: 611
    edited April 2019

    BAP

    I had a Oophorectomy and I’m Brca2+ as well. It was done laparoscopically and required absolutely no recovery time. I was out shopping the next afternoon. Never took a pain pill ! There was no pain, no blood, just a couple teeny incisions

    But if you aren’t menopausal look out for the effects of surgical menopause...whew. That is the kicker here. Mine were off the charts intense. And I continue to battle the beast!

    Funny it was never mentioned or offered that I should go with a full hysterectomy but I didn’t have a history of abnormal paps. I was so overwhelmed just went with the Oophorectomy!

  • B-A-P
    B-A-P Member Posts: 525
    edited April 2019

    thanks CBK !

    I think I’m just going to do the ovaries and tubes for now. I realized I was only wanting the hysterectomy because I was scared . I think if the abnormal paps continue then I’ll reconsider. I realize I was on chemo my last pap which I truly feel could have contributed. It’s such a big surgery for a what if.

    I’m glad you found recovery easy. Hoping the same for me :

  • rrshannon
    rrshannon Member Posts: 117
    edited April 2019

    B-A-P Good luck hope your procedures go well. I am BRCA - have had Triple Negative BC and now ER + cancer 4 years post hysterectomy. The hysterectomy was the easiest surgery I every had like CBK stated mine was done laparoscopically. I had a single oophorectomy in 2000 then got pregnant in 2001 and had TNBC in 2003. I had mild hot flashes 6 months post oophorectomy, and post lumpectomy in 2003. After my hysterectomy I had 3 month minor hot flashes. I hope you have minimal recovery from your surgery.

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