having ovaries removed after breast cancer treatment?

pam marra · New User Joined: 19 Feb 2005 Posts: 3

Hi, it's me again with another question!

I talked to my regular family doc about what the oncologist told me about needing a hysterectomy or radiation to my ovaries or taking a pill every three months since I'm not post-menopausal.
She was pretty upset that the oncologist just "overlooked" that fact and didn't give me any info about it.
Then she said, I could probably have an oophorectomy -- which she said means having just my ovaries removed.
Has anybody out there done that?
She also advised against having radiation on my ovaries to stop estrogen production because she said she's seen some severe problems with that -- such as the bowels attaching to each other.
Anybody know anything about that?
Also, how do I contact one of the docs on this forum?
Advice, suggestions, help.... please!

Thanks,

Pam Marra

sgishelly

I have heard of people having this surgery rather than going on Tamoxifan. It's something I'm going to check into when I get all this other mess finished. I'll be interested to see what others have to say.
_________________
Shelly
Dx Nov 1, 2004 at 40 y/o
Right MRM, Left Simple Mast. - 12/9/04
Stage 2A IDC -
Primary tumor 1cm
3+ / 14 nodes, ER/PR+, HER2-
34 rads - finished 5/25
chemo - AC and Taxol FINISHED 7/6/05
beginning reconstruction 2/06
brain mets 4/06 - now stage 4

Minnlady13

Hi Pam, usually our docs log in and respond when they have a chance, so I would expect on or both of them may respond in the next few days. I know of some women who have gone the oopherectomy route, but I don't think any of them post here. I would expect Dr. Lu can offer more insight into radiation to the ovaries, but it does not sound like your doctor thinks it is such a keen idea. Good luck in making your decision. Lauri
_________________
Diagnosed 4/11/1996
Lumpectomy, 6 mm tumor
Neg. nodes
ER/PR+
33 rads
Tamoxifen, 5 yrs.
NED

galvi5 · Regular Joined: 21 Feb 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Illinois

Hi Pam,
I too am in the same position as you. I'm 38 years old, finished up my treatments in Dec. I recently saw my onco and she wants me to either start ovarian suppression injections once a month for 5 years or have my ovaries removed. I'm on tamoxifin, it's not stopping my menstrual cycle, but neither did the chemo liked she had hoped. I was Er/pr+. I haven't decided which route to take, I'm leaning towards having the ovaries removed.

Take care,
Sue
_________________
Age 38
dx-6/04, Stage I, grade 3
1.9cm, invasive ductal ca
lumpectomy-rt breast negative nodes
ER/PR +,Her2+
4 A/C, 35 rad
Tamoxifin, 5 yrs

sgishelly

Sue,

I'm 40 and in the same boat as you. I have not finished treatment yet but so far I'm still having periods and they are much heavier than they used to be (before chemo). I'm leaning towards having my ovaries removed as well after I finish with all the chemo and radiation. I just don't do well remembering daily meds.l
_________________
Shelly
Dx Nov 1, 2004 at 40 y/o
Right MRM, Left Simple Mast. - 12/9/04
Stage 2A IDC -
Primary tumor 1cm
3+ / 14 nodes, ER/PR+, HER2-
34 rads - finished 5/25
chemo - AC and Taxol FINISHED 7/6/05
beginning reconstruction 2/06
brain mets 4/06 - now stage 4

leo · Site Admin Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

This is a difficult choice, but the final goal is to reduce circulating estrogen levels. You can suppress the estrogen production by removing the ovaries (oophorectomy) or by using medications. The first-line seems to be by using medications such as tamoxifen, but some people just can not tolerate it, and some may just opt to have the ovaries taken out. It is a personal and difficult choice.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

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