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Sheera's avatar
Sheera
Member
5 years ago

Ovary shutdown medical surgical or not?

Hi everyone,
Diagnosed last year with ER positive bc. T1 but grade 3 so lumpectomy, chemo followed by radiotherapy. Got through everything pretty well. Some side effects but most are gone. Got my period this week. I am 43 years old. 2 kids and not thinking of having more. My onco suggested possibly considering shutdown of my ovaries but said would only make 1-3 percent difference in recurrence whatever that means. She wants to wait 6 months to see if my period will be regular or not and decide from there.
Anyone else been in a similar situation would appreciate some words of wisdom. My oncotype was on the high side hence the chemo. So thinking to go through with the ovary shutdown.

  • Sheera's avatar
    Sheera
    Member
    5 years ago
    Thanks iserbrown,

    Looking into getting my LH and FSH levels checked, so as to make an informed decision. My question is for pre-menapausal ladies who have period back, is this considered bad? I mean part of me is happy its' back on the other hand l'm terrified that it means my body is producing more estrogen which can in turn lead to a possible recurrence?!
  • FLClover's avatar
    FLClover
    Member
    5 years ago
    You’re welcome @Sheera 😊. I also forgot that you can get your period on Tamoxifen 🤦🏼‍♀️. But I understand your concern with the side effects all leaving and the period coming. Definitely good idea, make sure you check reviews of other oncos to get a good one, as this is so important. Keep in touch 🍀♥️  
  • Sheera's avatar
    Sheera
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi FLClover,
    Thanks for responding. Yes, l forget to mention l am on Tamoxafine. Was having hot flashes uo until l fot my period. Now no side effects at all... Good but makes me worry for obvious reasons. Yes, will take your advise and get a 2nd opinion. Need to know pros and cons for ovary shutdown as well as the overall reduction in recurrence when procedure is done. 
  • FLClover's avatar
    FLClover
    Member
    5 years ago
    Hi @Sheera. I’m glad your treatment went all well. I’m surprised you weren’t put on hormone blockers, since your bc was hormone positive. What was the reason for that?
    I think that most ladies who have hormone positive bc take hormone blockers, or have their ovaries removed. This of course tends to bring unwanted side effects, and being premenopausal is better for your body overall, especially if suppressing them doesn’t give you a high percentage of preventing recurrence. However, you need to be sure you’re comfortable with your decision and are well informed on pros and cons of both. Maybe get a second opinion if your current onco isn’t giving you the info you need. Good luck! ♥️