Good evening allI am considering removing my ovaries, consulted with Dr today and I want to go ahead but I want some time to think about it. I thought about posting here too as you all have been super helpful in the past, thank you.I am on letrazole and zoladex.1 year of herceptin post chemo.Zoladex is a painful injection , every month and my dr wants me on letrazole and zoladex for 10 years. I am 41 and have two children.I have had minimal side effect form both these meds fortunately.I want to ro remove them so I don't have to take the zoladex for 10 years. Also another pro is saving myself from potential of ovarian cancer, although I don't have the BRCA gene.I can't think of any other cons or negatives of going ahead with this aside from the fact that it's irreversible.Anyone with any feedback with be greatly appreciated xxx

@Katie46 according to the specialist it's a day procedure and a couple days recovery.

ladies at my support group who have had their ovaries removed a few were shocked at how full on and heavy the full menopause symtoms were. Once it it sdone it is done. Unlike chemical , where the doctor can adjust , use different medicines, you sometimes can take breaks, change doses. It is much more adjustable. Everyones hormone risk is different , and it has to be taken into consideration with your risk of reoccurance and your own risk level as everyine is different. Do not rush into it. There ar emany long term physical side effect on your heart and muscles from pelvic floor to every where else as well as your bones... so many things. There are a lot of negatives to it.Do watch all three BCAN webinars on hormone suppression therapy as a good start , there is lots of good info in there.

@iserbrown I have booked in the surgery for mod December but am still in 2 minds and can cancel . Thank you hun

I was on Zoladex injections for 2 years, one every 4 weeks. I always had a numbing spray first. After the 2 years my ovaries had shrunk.As to the Aromatose Inhibitors, Letrozole that's for 10 years and counting down as I have 11 months to go!Best wishes on your decision

@iserbrown thanks for your response. Ooh yay 11 months ! Did you come off zoladex once your ovaries shrunk?

Considering removing my ovaries

iserbrown
Member
9 months ago
I was on Zoladex injections for 2 years, one every 4 weeks. I always had a numbing spray first. After the 2 years my ovaries had shrunk.
As to the Aromatose Inhibitors, Letrozole that's for 10 years and counting down as I have 11 months to go!
Best wishes on your decision
Cheri
Member
9 months ago
@iserbrown thanks for your response. Ooh yay 11 months !

Did you come off zoladex once your ovaries shrunk?
iserbrown
Member
9 months ago
Yes I did!
Each month he would alternate left side right side for injection. The left side always made me feel yuk, for want of a better word, for a couple of days. Right side no side effect!
I ended up being treated by a Gynaecology Oncologist as I had an unexpected bleed at the start, a polyp
Cheri
Member
9 months ago
OK thank you for sharing. Can you share the name of the numbing spray please, thanks
iserbrown
Member
9 months ago
I don't know what its called
dobsonj
Member
8 months ago
Hi @Cheri

i was on zoladex for a few months probably 8-9 and had my ovaries out - I really hate needles and sometimes found it painful (apparently the bigger bit of flesh they pinch the less painful) it was a time thing for me every month needing the injection having to book and wait and work full time along with all other appointments. I know it is small in the scheme of things for me it made life less stressful.

I have MBC and take letrozole and kisquali. I don’t miss my ovaries and it is a quick recovery - I don’t have kids though.

Sending you positive thoughts and love.
Cheri
Member
8 months ago
@dobsonj thank you for sharing it is much appreciated. Did you experience any side effects after having them removed?
dobsonj
Member
8 months ago
@Cheri,

i was put into early menopause with the letrozole and zoladex so really just the same hot flushes and other menopause symptoms. As time has progressed the symptoms have lessened.

Take good care
Janet
Katie46
Member
5 months ago
My oncologist has told me this is an option for me too if I don't want to get the injection once a month for at least the next 3 years, maybe longer. The injection doesn't really bother me as I have a numbing patch each time and feel nothing, it's more of a convenience decision, with the added insurance against ovarian cancer.

I'm giving it serious consideration. Is it a big procedure with a long recovery?
Cheri
Member
5 months ago
@Katie46 according to the specialist it's a day procedure and a couple days recovery.