Forum Discussion
Considering removing my ovaries
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
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
23 Replies
- 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.
- @melways thanks for checking in, I cancelled it , want to give it more thought and may schedule next year. I can't see myself doing the injections for 10 years. Have a lovely restful festive.
- @Cheri not sure if you've had surgery but wanted to wish you a speedy recovery if you did have the surgery 💕
- @Katie46 definitely one less thing to deal with, worry about, one less appointment to go to etc.
Yes keyhole which is good 😊. Hopefully you can discuss it for next year too. - @melways yes, it's keyhole surgery. For sure one less thing to worry about
- Thanks @melways, I'm considering it for next year, I do like the idea of having one less thing to worry about. I'm assuming it's a keyhole surgery?
- @Katie46 as cheri said it's a fairly quick recovery initially but no heavy lifting for about 4 weeks after surgery but initial pain etc is supposed to be quickly resolved.
@Cheri I had my consultation today and looks like I'll probably be having surgery mid December too. Hopefully yours goes smoothly. - Thanks @Cheri, I can't believe the patches aren't standard procedure, I'm just given them. I have EMLA lidocaine patches. I put it on 30 minutes before the appointment and I don't feel a thing, and so far no bruising.
I'm also considering it for convenience reasons, my oncologist told me I'd have the injections for at least 3 years, and my ovaries are of no use to me now. - @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
- @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.
