Hysterectomy and Overies removed
Has anyone taken this step to help minimise its return? If the Overies are not there then maybe Tamoxifen isnt needed? And if you dont take Tamoxifen then that chance of cervical cancer decreases or i...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Shorelle
It is natural to feel that fear of recurrence and want to do everything you possibly can to prevent it. But a part of us also does not want having cancer in the past (it is in the past if you have finished active treatment and are just on Tamoxifen) to impact too much on life after bc.
I am heading towards 5 years post a Stage 3 diagnosis. I had 2 years on Tamoxifen which I was fortunate to not have many effects from (just some mood swings, my husband tells me ;)). I then came out of the chemo induced menopause and it was decided (because of my age - 49 by then) that removing my ovaries would allow me to change from Tamoxifen to an Aromatase Inhibitor which does slightly lessen the chance of recurrence.
Side effects of having my ovaries removed at 49 were not too bad. I may have made a different choice had I been younger. Doing this and changing to an AI style of hormone blocker have not helped my bone density but for me it helped to know that it gives the best protection against recurrence.
Feeling less fearful does take TIME. I channelled my fear into motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle. I figured I had done everything medically recommended by my doctors (who I trust to know what is the best for my situation - we are all different), so I look after myself through healthy eating and daily exercise.
Part of looking after yourself is learning how to really enjoy life again. For some of us, this takes time and a little help from others. I still have my moments but I think the thing that helps me the most is the exercise. I go bushwalking and lift weights (for my bone density). I love feeling surrounded by nature on my hikes and have made new friends through this. The weight lifting helps me to feel strong and that helps me to believe that my body is healthy.
We are all different but united in our battle to not let the fear of cancer take over our life. We cannot control the future but we can learn to control our reactions and ENJOY right now. Right now I feel healthy and enjoy many things in my life. I hope that you can find a way to feel happier again too. Don't let the fear of something that may never happen rob you of happiness with your family and friends. Talk to your breast care nurse or maybe the Cancer Council helpline. There are ways to get on top of that fear. Sending you hugs. xxx
It is natural to feel that fear of recurrence and want to do everything you possibly can to prevent it. But a part of us also does not want having cancer in the past (it is in the past if you have finished active treatment and are just on Tamoxifen) to impact too much on life after bc.
I am heading towards 5 years post a Stage 3 diagnosis. I had 2 years on Tamoxifen which I was fortunate to not have many effects from (just some mood swings, my husband tells me ;)). I then came out of the chemo induced menopause and it was decided (because of my age - 49 by then) that removing my ovaries would allow me to change from Tamoxifen to an Aromatase Inhibitor which does slightly lessen the chance of recurrence.
Side effects of having my ovaries removed at 49 were not too bad. I may have made a different choice had I been younger. Doing this and changing to an AI style of hormone blocker have not helped my bone density but for me it helped to know that it gives the best protection against recurrence.
Feeling less fearful does take TIME. I channelled my fear into motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle. I figured I had done everything medically recommended by my doctors (who I trust to know what is the best for my situation - we are all different), so I look after myself through healthy eating and daily exercise.
Part of looking after yourself is learning how to really enjoy life again. For some of us, this takes time and a little help from others. I still have my moments but I think the thing that helps me the most is the exercise. I go bushwalking and lift weights (for my bone density). I love feeling surrounded by nature on my hikes and have made new friends through this. The weight lifting helps me to feel strong and that helps me to believe that my body is healthy.
We are all different but united in our battle to not let the fear of cancer take over our life. We cannot control the future but we can learn to control our reactions and ENJOY right now. Right now I feel healthy and enjoy many things in my life. I hope that you can find a way to feel happier again too. Don't let the fear of something that may never happen rob you of happiness with your family and friends. Talk to your breast care nurse or maybe the Cancer Council helpline. There are ways to get on top of that fear. Sending you hugs. xxx