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.
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