To stop the hormones

Waits been over 2 years since. Diagnosis but I revisited gyncologist who over a year ago was leaning towards removal : I was a bitundecided and just wanted to see how things settle well today he feels that by not roving bits my risk goes up from say 1 point something to 3 percent.  I said out of 100?   Yep.  I'm not mathematical but he went on to say each op carries its own risks and possible complications so given my age, lack of family history and seem to be menopausal: his rec is now no : but he did say if I wanted it then no problem.   Seems to be an area where people are ok with operations based on emotional reasoning no doubt arguments for and against on that one.  However my low key approach is working for me!

Thanks for the comments. I have had one Zoladex injection so far and been on tamoxifen  for 1 month so far. Tomorrow I will meet with the gynaecologist  to discuss ovary removal. My oncologist is happy for me to have them removed but equally happy for me to have the injection and tamoxifen. I think I know in my mind that removal is the best option for me as well.....I just feel so much better now after the past 10 months....I need to make sure I look at the big picture. Thanks again, I enjoy the support on this site xx

I asked my surgeon the same thing - she said removing the ovaries won't necessary stop the oestrogen as the body produces it from elsewhere (after menopause).  I think I would have preferred to just have the op and know where I am at.  I am 43, find out this week what stage of "life" I am at to determine what medication I have to take for the suppressent.  Interesting all the different opinions the medical world have for the same treatment!!

I was guided by my onco. Tamoxifen and zoladex till my bloods showed my body was ready for a full hysterectomy, I also needed a prolapse done, my Gyno and onco thought one less place to go let's get it done. Then on femara. I will admit I had a lot of aching joints on zoladex and was glad when I could stop it. Have a good chat with your onco then up to you

Hi Wendy

I was 47 when Chemo turned my ovaries off. I went onto Tamoxifen and then about 18 months later my ovaries started up again. I was 49 at this point and decided to hurry menopause along by having my ovaries removed. My doctors also seemed to think this was my best option.

I was very fit at this point and my recovery was pretty fast. The surgery (removal of ovaries and tubes) was done laprascopically and I was back walking a couple of km within a week. Full recovery was 6 weeks and I was back running, yoga, Pilates and have never looked back. 

I am now on Femara which does make a positive difference for me recurrence wise, especially as I had a few positive nodes when originally diagnosed. I think it was good for my situation to wait and see whether chemo had put me into permenant menopause but am happy with my decision to have the ovaries out when this was not the case.

Every situation is different and I let myself be guided by my oncologist and gynecologist. Wishing you all the best for your continued recovery. Take care. Deanne xxx