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Sue_Hall's avatar
Sue_Hall
Member
12 years ago

Tamoxifen causing large ovarian cyst

I am wishing to hear other women's experiences with making a decision to have my ovaries and/or uterus removed as a result of re-occurring ovarian cysts whilst being on Tamoxifen.  I am into my 5th year of taking this drug.  It has only been in the last year that ovarian cysts appear and then disappear as well as thickening of my uterus and fibroids growing on it.  I have annual pelvic ultrasounds and at my last one on 25 June 2013 showed a large 5cm x 4cm cyst was on my left ovary.  I am now in a dilemma because the gyno at my public hospital wishes to remove both ovaries and uterus, however, my oncologist is saying no.  My oncologist has told me that I am going to continue taking Tamoxifen for a further five years, which will make it 10 years all up.  I am 46 years of age.  I am having another pelvic ultrasound tomorrow to see whether or not it's grown or shrunk.  After that I then have to make a decision.  The gyno is writing to my oncologist (2000 kilometres away) to explain in writing the reasons why I should not have a hysterectomy.  Anyone else's experiences would be handy to read.

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  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Jessica,  as you will see from my post above I was having a hysterectomy and ooperectomy age 49.

    Sooooooo pleased that I had this op, I have reduced my risk for cancer and since then I have found out that I have relatives with uterus/ovarian cancer.  Also I got the all clear on my uterus ultrasound 3 months prior, but when it was removed it was full of adhesions inside and out and very enlarged.  I also had an all clear ultrasound and mammogram 6 months prior to bc dx, I was also on Tamoxifen for approx 6 months.

    As Michelle above has said compared to the whole bc journey, the op is easy. I did have 6 weeks off work, sitting around, short walks, and am still very tired now. But the relief of having this removed is enormous.

    If I can help with any personal questions send me a private message.

    Viv

  • jessicajordy's avatar
    jessicajordy
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had been diagonosed with Breast Cancer in July 2013,, I've been on Tamoxifen ever since,, and today I after a ultrasound that I have an Ovarian Cyst,,,  is this the beginning,,, I've only been on this 6 months???? I'm 48yrs 

     

  • jessicajordy's avatar
    jessicajordy
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had been diagonosed with Breast Cancer in July 2013,, I've been on Tamoxifen ever since,, and today I after a ultrasound that I have an Ovarian Cyst,,,  is this the beginning,,, I've only been on this 6 months???? I'm 48yrs 

     

  • Carol's avatar
    Carol
    Member
    12 years ago
    I would have gladly had my ovaries out if had had. Brca. Gene. Since Did not have not had any gynaecological removal surgery. Carol
  • Carol's avatar
    Carol
    Member
    12 years ago
    I would have gladly had my ovaries out if had had. Brca. Gene. Since Did not have not had any gynaecological removal surgery. Carol
  • Sue_Hall's avatar
    Sue_Hall
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks so much Michelle.  Will take one step at a time and go from there.

    Sue :)

  • Sue_Hall's avatar
    Sue_Hall
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks for your reply Viv, its great to read other people's journeys, everyone is different.  All the best for your op.

    Sue :)

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Sue,

    Lumpectomy 30/04/13 with 6 weeks radiation, my oncologist has put me on Tamoxifen.  Has told me I will have the same benefit from having ovaries remeoved as chemo, so at 49 I was more than happy to say goodbye to those ovaries that feed my type of cancer.  My GP suggested I have uterus out as well, ran this by the onco who agreed so off to see Gyno.  He also agreed, so I am booked in for the hamburger with the works on 9th October.  My choice of date, 1 week after my daughter does her deb.

    I am pleased to have everything out, don't need them, they have served me well.  Depending on bone scan being ok I will then go onto Arimidex.

    If you need to know anything else, just let me know.

    Happy to share any info with you.

    All the best

    Viv

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Sue,

    Lumpectomy 30/04/13 with 6 weeks radiation, my oncologist has put me on Tamoxifen.  Has told me I will have the same benefit from having ovaries remeoved as chemo, so at 49 I was more than happy to say goodbye to those ovaries that feed my type of cancer.  My GP suggested I have uterus out as well, ran this by the onco who agreed so off to see Gyno.  He also agreed, so I am booked in for the hamburger with the works on 9th October.  My choice of date, 1 week after my daughter does her deb.

    I am pleased to have everything out, don't need them, they have served me well.  Depending on bone scan being ok I will then go onto Arimidex.

    If you need to know anything else, just let me know.

    Happy to share any info with you.

    All the best

    Viv