To remove or not to remove

saleboat · 07-30-2007, 11:56 AM

There are health consquences to removing ones ovaries at a relatively young age. For me, I decided that removing my ovaries for an UNKNOWN benefit (given that I had early-stage bc) was not worth it. I may have thought differently about it if there was any ovarian cancer in my family, but there isn't.

If you search, you'll find a study that I posted regarding a recent study that followed women who had their ovaries removed and the different health results.

I know it seems to make sense that removing ones ovaries could lead to a better outcome for early stage breast cancer, but given today's treatments, it is unstudied and not supported by solid medical evidence. (Again, the family history makes it a different case.)

Good luck.

Jen

tricia keegan · 07-30-2007, 01:10 PM

Hi Kriss
I had an ooph last year at 47,pre meno before chemo. I had read about it and mentioned it to my onc purely as a preventative measure and he agreed and referred me to a gyno. I've no regrets at all,the surgery and recovery was very quick and I've been on Arimidex ever since although I do have some bone loss so now take fosamax also.
It's not an easy decision but as highly triple pos it was the right one for me. Good luck deciding!

KRISS · 08-01-2007, 04:14 AM

Thank you for all your insight. I see just about all my Docs in the next three weeks so I will get all their input. I have time and will think about all the benifits and dangers. Thanks again, Kriss

MCS · 08-02-2007, 07:48 AM

Dear Kriss,

I am er-/pr- and brac1 and 2 -. So I was not at risk of ovarian cancer according to onc and gyno. I am also menopausal, prior to chemo and I am 51 now.

However, I discussed with the doctors and he said, you can remove for peace of mind.

About 4 years ago I had an endometrial ablation because of intermittent bleeding.

So earlier this year I had the ooph. No regrets. something less to think about. Sometimes I tell people, I wish I could fill my organs with styrofoam, like the liver and the kidney and the lungs, and the brain LOLOLOLOLOL.

I had a little time to recover. I had a lot of scar tissue from the ablation so the procedure took a little longer than expected and was slower to recover. I also have a stomach flap of tissue hanging out there like after a c section afterwards that I am desperately trying to exercise away with little success. Also be aware that when there's ovaries removal, there could be an increase in weight so don't eat that chocolate cake!

Lots of love

Maria (mcs)

weezie1053 · 08-02-2007, 07:15 PM

Kriss, I am still a newby to this website although my one year anniversary of my surgery is next month. I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago about genetic counseling. I was fortunate in that there is a genetic counselor in the same office at the University hospital (UVA) where I am treated. I decided to meet with the genetic counselor. Although I thought I knew a lot about my family history, I was actually pretty ignorant. I had to complete a detailed history of my family which meant numerous phone calls to family members including cousins, an uncle, etc. Although I tested negative for the BRCA genes, the dx was that I am "high risk" for recurrence due to a brother's prostate cancer, Grandmother's BC, my BC, etc. It was a good learning exercise, and they provide you with a wealth of information. Additionally, I "assumed" my health insurance was going to deny the testing; however, they authorized it. They submit the DNA to Myriad Laboratories, and they submit to your ins carrier for pre-authorization. This way, you can make the decision if you want to proceed with the testing or not based if your insurance denies the expense. I also believe the dx of "high risk" will ensure that my health ins pays for more frequent and aggressive screening.

...just my 2 cents.

Louise