Forum Discussion

Bundy's avatar
Bundy
Member
9 years ago

hysterectomy

Hi, I had bilateral breast cancer and just had my first annual check up and was lucky to get the all clear.  As you all know its a harrowing 12 months with surgery, chemo and radiation.  I was just starting to feel a little normal (hair longer enough not to wear a cap now) when my GP is now suggesting I have a hysterectomy just to make sure I don't get cervical or ovarian cancer.
Has anyone else been told this, the last thing I want to do is go back for surgery but I don't want to make a life changing mistake either.

Any thought would be appreciated. 

10 Replies

  • adean's avatar
    adean
    Member
    9 years ago
    I had ovary removal and hysterectomy my onco said one less place for the cancer to go, the Gyno agreed also, so glad I did , but it's a personal choice I think. Adean
  • Bundy's avatar
    Bundy
    Member
    9 years ago
    Great advice thanks again, I think I will at least get an appointment with a gyno oncologist.  Learning to get back to "normal" living is hard enough without doubts.
    Thanks for the support!  :) 
  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    9 years ago
    Depending on your age perhaps and definitely depending on whether you have the BRCA gene mutation.  I was diagnosed at 39 and told to have gene testing done.  I tested positive for BRCA2 gene mutation which prompted my surgeon to suggest a prophylactic hysterectomy (as you are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer with the gene mutation).  I had the hysterectomy and a mastectomy of the remaining healthy breast.  If you have any family history of breast/ovarian/skin/pancreatic- cancers then it might be worthwhile to consult with a geneticist.  Congratulations on coming through the other end and finishing with your active treatment xx
  • Share's avatar
    Share
    Member
    9 years ago

    Following on from my 2nd breast cancer diagnosis in 2007, I visited my gyno as I was concerned following my Mum's breast cancer diagnosis after me. I had had some residual pain in my lower right area, near my ovaries. We erred on the side of caution and even though I had previously been through several surgeries in 4 years, I decided to have my ovaries removed. In the follow up appointment with my gyno, the nice glossy photos showed several lumps and in my surgeon's words "potential to get nasty - I am glad we removed them". This however did not stop the secondaries in my bones but I do know a lady who did not have her ovaries removed and she has secondaries in her bones (following mastectomy) and now in her ovaries.

    Only you can make that decision, along with guidance and expert opinion from gyno oncologist as suggested by @primek.


  • Cate64's avatar
    Cate64
    Member
    9 years ago
    There may be no direct link between the cancers but I had my ovaries removed anyway because it is now one less thing to worry about. I had had a hysterectomy years ago. I am glad it is 2 places in me I know I can never get cancer now...
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    My physiotherapist told me on my last visit the other day once in the cancer treatment system I can just call her and arrange an appointment if I have any troubles, without doing a whole new referral. That tells me once the breast cancer treatment is finished I am not just cast back out as normal but I will be monitored here and there a bit more than just an average check up. If you are having any pain or troubles or even getting lethargic with no reason, get back in and get a scan done for early detection. I don't think a hysterectomy is prudent as with any surgery there are always risks. Keep an eye on things though, even 16 years down the track stuff can pop up. Remember to always tell your doctor of past cancer as over the years that info falls so far down the records it can be missed.
  • Bundy's avatar
    Bundy
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thank you all so much. Yes, I have had the genetic test and it was negative.  I was just starting menopause when I was diagnosed so the chemo finished that of for me ( always a silver lining).  I have been on letrozole since I finished my radiation also.

    GP, Oncologist and Surgeon all have different views that was why I really didn't know what to do.  Thank you again, I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond because that's right it is still a serious surgery not to be taken lightly.






  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    The only link with ovarian cancer is if you carry a gene mutation. Have you had testing? If pre menopause sometimes they suggest ovary removal so can go on letrozole. I'd  be getting a referral for genetic testing and if positive then it's  best to see an onco gynacologist.
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Well done on your results!  As ChrissK indicates, I didn't think there was a particular correlation either, so maybe a bit more information, from an oncologist, would help? I know your GP may think your uterus and ovaries are dispensable, in ways that your bones, bowel, liver, brain and lungs aren't (!!) but even so, it's fairly serious surgery on top of what you have already gone through so worth some more advice.
  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
    Member
    9 years ago
    Bundy, my gyno said that there is no link with breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  I did have a hysterectomy before BC but still have ovaries.  The only reason to suggest hysterectomy is 1. if BRCA gene 2. if you take tamoxifen as there is a link with this and uterus cancer.  Other than that no real reason to have a full hysterectomy.