Happy New Year

[GabeOD]

Hi all, I’ve just joined. I’ve tested positive for BRCA2 and will have bilateral salpingo oopherectomy in March in London. Strong cancer history in my family. I’m keen to hear from other ladies about their recovery experiences and life after BSO surgery. I’m almost 49. Thank you.

[Nicky911]

Hi and welcome 🙂

Had a total hysterectomy and partial bowel resection in June. From my experience at the Churchill, Oxford the physios and nurses were very supportive ensuring that I was sitting in a bedside chair for a while the day after returning from ICU. I then took little walks along the ward the following days. You're aware you've had a big op but gradually you feel a bit more mobile even with a catheter and various tubes. Managed a couple of 'races' down the corridor with a fellow patient albeit at a snail's pace initially but got up to cruising speed after a few days!

Returned home just over a week later and felt an overwhelming tiredness - not surprising considering everything poor old bod had been through! I found this fatigue in varying degrees was with me for a couple of months but by setting myself small tasks e.g. a bit of weeding of my annuals' baskets then resting the MOJO and energy gradually returned. Do have a good kip when you need to and do ask for advice from your practice nurses if you are having dressings changed as they are so supportive. The other things that helped include: eating chocolate 🍫; focusing on positive things and avoiding stress and daft people; accepting friends' offers of help especially when you can't drive for a while. Remember the op gets rid of this unwanted, uninvited intruder from you and once your energy returns - almost like magic- you feel much better. I wish you a successful procedure in the Spring. Xx

[GabeOD in reply to Nicky911]

Hi Nicky,

I just saw your response. Thank you very much for your sharing and advice.

Best wishes, xxx.

[ChristineL]

Hi there

I tested positive for BRCA1 and had the BSO 5 years ago when I was 42. Some members of my family also had cancer hence was tested. I have decided not to have a bilateral mastectomy, after weighing it all up, but have yearly MRI and mammogram. I recovered very well from the BSO, my main problem was pain from trapped wind but obviously is temporary but was very painful, but that was the main problem. I haven't had any menopausal symptoms but I think my ovaries were declining in function anyway as my periods had become very scanty so maybe it wasn't a sudden drop in hormones. Pathology also showed there were many precancerous cells in the ovaries so I'm glad I had them removed. I haven't taken HRT as have not needed to. I do think cognitively I'm not as sharp, if I ever was, I'm a bit more scatty than I used to be but mood etc has been ok. I take raloxifene as I had a DEXA scan which showed osteopenia, it's important to look after your bones and heart, although I didn't receive any advice to do that. Raloxifene can reduce breast cancer risk. When you have the BSO they should do a peritoneal wash to check the cells in your abdomen, and do a thorough check of your ovaries in pathology. There is a support group for BRCA carriers on the London/Essex border, look at facingourrisk.org and email Louise. It meets every 2 or 3 months. I hope this helps. There is also BRCA umbrella which you may have heard of. I hope it all goes well for you. Best wishes. Christine

[GabeOD in reply to ChristineL]

Thanks very much Christine. I'm inclined to think I won't be having the bilateral mastectomy either. My periods are still like clockwork, every 4 weeks, so I'm concerned that surgical menopause, and without the HRT option, will be a severe experience. Glad to know about that support group. I'll reach out to Louise. Just waiting for the BRCA Umbrella to approve my request to join. Best wishes,.

[ChristineL in reply to GabeOD]

Ok, good, may see you at a meeting in future although I haven't been for nearly a year due to work, but I try to go, it is a help to meet others and Louise and Sue are lovely. Yes it's hard to predict how you will feel after the BSO, the consultant painted a very negative picture beforehand but I suppose they give you worse case scenario, but yes people do react differently. I was advised HRT would be possible if I needed it though. Best wishes.