Hi All I just wanted to get some personal experiences, pros/cons to having an oophorectomy. My initial thoughts was rip the suckers out, I no longer need them & we at least know then that I can't produce my own oestrogen...but now after researching a little not sure if this is the right choice. If anyone has theown personal experiences to share that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Pocket Rocket. Xcx

Hi Pocket Rocket, can't offer any advice or help on this,as it's a question I'm also pondering. I've had my last chemo today, so I think I'm going to leave the decision for a while, at least until after surgery & radiotherapy, to see if I get any more periods. I haven't had one now for about 10 weeks, & will be interested to see if they return over the next few months. Take care, Lyn

Hi, I'm also pondering this. I see the gynie onco next week to discuss so will let you know what he says! Louise

Hi Pocket Rocket, What does your oncologist suggest? From our conversations they will factor in age, hormone receptors etc. If they are recommending it then I'd seriously consider it. I had a total laprascopic hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy 4 weeks ago and my personal experience has been really positive. The surgery was a breeze, I was back at work 10 days later. My menopause symptoms have improved and the change from Tamoxifen to Arimidex was fairly easy. I'm sure there are others who have had totally different experiences but just wanted to let you know it can be a good thing. Good luck with your decision, Jen

Waving Ladies.. I pondered this for quite a few years.. I was PR+ and ER- (almost) and I was crazy enough to use Dr Google.. beeee bahhh.. i was petrified!!.. When I finally got to it.. I actually found the op quite ok.. I did a little to much too early and paid the price for a few days but basically up and about really quickly. As treatment had already set me down the path of hot flushes, mood stuff etc, it did not really seem to make it worse. Overall I sit here now and wonder why I put it off for so long.. This is just me of course.. It is something that oncologists see as helpful for ER+ and PR+.. remember that adrenal glands and fat cells also produce hormones and that is why even after ovaries are gone there may be a suggestion of something like femara alike.. removing the ovaries can be just another tool in the box to assist with the 'what if' that is BC and the choice you make at the time is always the right one as the future is not known.. For each of you, ask lots of questions of your medical team, be guided by them and feel comfortable with your decision.With hindsight, would I have changed my 'no thanks' decision back in 2008? no, I would not and my gyno (who is also an Onc) agrees even though I am now living with SBC (just dumb luck really!!). At that time the decision was right for me.. and in 2013 when they left it was the right one then..Hope this helps out Cheers, Sharon (Pink66)

Hi Louise I see my gynae onc next week too. Best of luck Tracey

Ovaries...to keep or not to keep that is the question??

14 Replies

mona63
Member
10 years ago
I think we may have similiar 'picture' as far as lymph node and treatment goes. I I'd go to see a gyn-oncologist about six months ago and he made it seem like almost standard however my oncolgist who feels chemo is overused also feels that tamoxafin is enough. He wasn't surprised at 'push' for removing organs but he did say 'what next how about the spleen? So two years on I'm still slightly considering it and may just let it be for another 6 months. Best wishes
Pocket_Rocket
Member
10 years ago
Yes Lyn, I,m in on Tuesday 3rd. Just an overnight stay then home.
lrb_03
Member
10 years ago
Thanks for the update. Good information. Do you have a date for surgery? Al the best for that

Lyn
Pocket_Rocket
Member
10 years ago
Hi all

just an update from me. I saw the Gynaecologist last week & he was great. I am actually going to have my ovaries & Fallopian tubes removed as he explained to me it is not about just reducing estrogen but reducing the chance of the cancer spreading to these areas. Yes I will still have to take something to shut off the residual estrogen but given I am ER & PR + this is the best choice for me.

Thanks ladies for all the posts.

xx
Jacqui_p
Member
10 years ago
Hi ladies

Just wondering how you all went with your oncologist appointments and wether they recommended ovary removal?

Ovary removal is something I am also considering and am seeing an oncologist tomorrow to talk about it. I was diagnosed a year ago this Wed and didn't have chemo as my Oncotype test results came back as a low risk score of 9 and said I wouldn't benefit from Chemo. I am still nervous as I did have a 1.5mm micromet in my sentinel node and only had the one node taken. I am currently taking tamoxifen. Thanks, Jacqui
Loubegg
Member
10 years ago
Hi everyone

these comments are really good and helpful. Makes it sound less scary. I'm on zoladex and femara and have hot flushes now. Onc recommends removing them. I'm thinking I'd go for a full hysterectomy if possible and a 10 day recovery sounds good.

Thanks

Louise
Loubegg
Member
10 years ago
Thanks Tracey. You too! It's a hard decision to make that's for sure.

Louise
Kari_2015
Member
10 years ago
Hi there, I have SBC (one spot in the bone), HER2+ and asked the same question at my follow up appointment with the surgeon last week. She didn't think it would be necessary especially because I will be post menopausal once the chemo is over. I have to take medication for the next ?? years to reduce oestrogen as she says the body makes oestrogen even if they are removed. Not sure if this is different for types of cancer/chemo etc as I have refrained from doing much Dr Google.

Be interesting to find out what other doctors are recommending.
Pocket_Rocket
Member
10 years ago
Hi Jen

I admire your strength. Hadn't considered the change in hormone treatment, so that is also to be considered.

Thank you.

Tracey
Pocket_Rocket
Member
10 years ago
Hi Louise

I see my gynae onc next week too.

Best of luck

Tracey