Considering removing my ovaries

Cheri

Good evening all

I 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

iserbrown

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

@iserbrown thanks for your response. Ooh yay 11 months ! 

Did you come off zoladex once your ovaries shrunk?

iserbrown

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

OK thank you for sharing. Can you share the name of the numbing spray please, thanks

iserbrown

I don't know what its called

dobsonj

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

@dobsonj thank you for sharing it is much appreciated. Did you experience any side effects after having them removed?

dobsonj

@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

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

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

iserbrown

@cheri
Did you decide on removal?  There's no right or wrong, its what you're comfortable with
Take care
Best wishes 

melways

@cheri I am in the same boat as you. I'm actually seeing the oncology gyno tomorrow morning to discuss having them removed, my breast oncologist thought it was a good idea and didn't see any downside to it.

I have metastatic breast cancer so I would be needed zoladex for an undetermined amount of time as I'm 39 so wasn't in menopause prior to treatment. 

I have palb2 gene mutation so I do have an increased risk of ovarian cancer but it's also the time, inconvenience, pain and cost of ongoing injections that is making me want to have them removed. My ovaries will never be useful again and are now a liability so hopefully I can have the surgery. 

I'm a public patient in Melbourne so it could be a long waitlist 🤷 but I think for me it will be a useful procedure. My friend had hers removed for similar reasons a few months ago and she said it was quite straightforward and the most pain was from the gas they use to pump into your abdomen area for the keyhole surgery. She did say menopause symptoms increased after the procedure but I think that would differ for each person.  

I think it's worth having the discussion with a surgeon and then with all the info you can make a decision that's right for you. 

Also side note the oncology department I go to for my injection gives me ice beforehand to numb the area and reduce pain and bruising. The effectiveness is still dependant on getting a good nurse but I think such a simple thing to do for the comfort. 

Good luck 😊

Cheri

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

Cheri

@melways thanks for the feedback. I hope you don't have to wait too long. Thanks for the tip regarding the ice. My gp has gotten the hang of it and it's not too bad. I still dread it anyway. I appreciate the insight x all the best with your journey.

Cheri

@Katie46 according to the surgeon I met with its a day procedure with a couple days recovery. I have heard about the Elam numbing patches,yet to try it. But my main thing is the duration I would have to do it and monthly visits to get it done and the cost long term. All the best for you Hun x