Triple negative breast cancer
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last year and had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. My cancer was PALB2 positive and I had a oophorectomy 6 weeks ago to reduce risk of ovarian cancer. I was post menopausal before oophorectomy but am now experiencing significant menopausal symptoms. Anyone else experienced this and what helps?
Has anyone decided to have their ovaries removed rather than be on Tamoxifen?
I am not handling Tamoxifen very well and have made an appointment with the medical oncologist to discuss having my ovaries removed instead. I've already had a hysterectomy so no issues there. Has anyone decided to go down this avenue rather than be on hormone blocking therapy? I understand that estrogen can stay in the fat cells for a length of time.
Zoladex vs oophorectomy
I'm currently on Zoladex and have had four injections. Even though I'm 42 they make me feel as if I'm 82! The all over body joint aches, whilst not painful as such, is pretty constant. It's a side effect of Zoladex but I'm concerned that it will get worse when I start taking Exemestane. It's for this reason that I'm considering an oophorectomy as I don't want double the joint aches! My questions for those in a similar or the same situation as me, are: 1. Would you expect that after four injections I'm experiencing the full effects of Zoladex or is it early days? 2. How many injections did you have before deciding to have an oophorectomy? 3. Do you still have joint pain after having an oophorectomy (from the Exemestane)? 4. Do you regret having an oophorectomy? Thanks!
To remove ovaries or not ??
Hi I got diagnosed with BC late last year aged 47 .Had lumpectomy in January this year followed by radiotherapy.Now on Tamoxifen.Had a Mirena in place for heavy periods which I had removed at the oncologists recommendation.Fast forward 5 months on Tamoxifen and having periods from hell! Saw gynaecologist yesterday. I need to make a choice between endometrial ablation or full hysterectomy with removal ovaries. My grandmother died of ovarian cancer at 54 years. I’m waiting on genetic testing result but as I understand even if negative it’s no guarantee as we still have a lot to learn about genes. Mum had full hysterectomy about my age ( no cancer found) but was able to take HRT for 7 years.So I’m really trying to weigh up the risks and benefits . Any advice/ experience would be appreciated I have changed my decision a few times already Thanks in advance x -
prolapse after salingo-oophorectomy
So, I can't sleep because I'm feeling a bit annoyed. Does anyone else feel that if we as patients don't ask the exact right question, we are not given the right advice. I had my ovaries and tubes removed as a precaution [BRCA2], after a triple neg breast cancer. My surgeon gave me a pamphlet on recovery after the operation. That was it. I had been exercising daily prior to my operation, and the only comment regarding exercising was to start 4- 6 weeks after the op, avoid strenuous exercise and avoid heavy lifting. So I eased into the exercise after 5 weeks, 3 times a week, 20 mins of low impact exercises. At week 6 I started back daily 30 mins low impact. On Monday just gone, week 7, I did my work out including some core strengthening exercises. Felt fine. At 4pm, I was having a shower, and shaving the bikini line and felt a lump to the left of my vagina. it was palpable and moved where I pushed it. I then felt it sitting just inside my vaginal opening. I found a hand mirror and could see that I had a prolapse (not yet confirmed what part of my pelvic floor it is. (Have an appt Friday with the surgeon who did the op). But what really concerns me is I then did some research into what NOT to do after having your ovaries and tubes removed and only then did I find out that they recommend not to do sit-ups, planks, leg raises and squats until at least 3 months after the operation, as it puts too much strain on your pelvic floor. well, here I was thinking I was actually strengthening my core and I have now done the exact opposite. No where in the literature I was given, or verbally was I informed I should avoid these type of exercises, which I wouldn't categorize as strenuous. I'm really hoping that I can fix the prolapse with the correct pelvic floor exercises, and not have to have yet another surgery. I am supposed to be having my double mastectomy and recon in about a month now that elective surgeries are back on. I found my lump in my breast 11 months ago, and its just seems like a never ending saga. I have just been searching on this site, and found a lot of other women in the same boat: that none of the doctors, oncologists, or surgeons really tell you the full extent of the side effects of breast cancer - vaginal dryness, likelihood of atrophy, and prolapses. Forewarned is forearmed. Cancer sucks. Sorry for the long post, just needed to vent or cry.Ovaries removed
I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in June 2019. ER+ I’ve finished chemo, had surgery & about to start rads next week & then have to take tamoxifen after I’ve finished rads. I’ve read on forums that some ladies also have their ovaries removed if they have ER+ breast cancer. Is this because they have the BRCA gene? My surgeon has not mentioned anything to me about having my ovaries removed & I’m wondering if I should.
Oophorectomy
Hi just out of interest, has anyone undergone oophorectomy or had to weigh up risks and benefits? I may require one either as an alternative to hormone treatment (ER positive) or because my ovaries are dodgy anyway. I know one should never google, but I have read stuff about it that is a little troubling. What's the good news? And I'm pre-menopausal - how does this affect women thrown into instant menopause? Any good news stories? Sex life, dare I ask?Ovary removal.
Hi all, today I got some news that has rocked me a little. Almost 2 years ago I lost my mum to ovarian cancer, a year later my sister was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 breast cancer and about 3 months ago I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive with node involvement. I had genetic testing and today I got my results. I have the gene mutation brip 1. Apparently this is very new as far as testing is concerned. They have however found an increase in my risk of ovarian cancer. I am both needing to vent as well as seeking advice/experience that others may have had xx also if any one has had ovary and Fallopian tube removal what was your experience xx thanks for listening xx
Surgeon recommendations for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in Melbourne
Hi ladies, I am currently searching for a gynaecological oncologist in the Melbourne Metro area to do my bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery. This surgery is partly for treatment of metastatic breast cancer (ER/PR+) and so I don't have to have zoladex every 4 weeks. Also, I have a BRCA2 mutation so this surgery will be a preventative measure to lower my risk of developing ovarian cancer. My oncologist (whom I adore) has referred me to "the best" surgeon but he has terribly high out of pocket costs for this type of surgery. I know that I can go to a public hospital but I have private health insurance and would like to utilise it. I was wondering if anyone could provide any advice on who they have seen and roughly how much they were out of pocket. Thanks in advance, Rachelle
