Ovaries Out?

[Cscholtz2021]

Hi Pink Sisters, has anyone had their ovaries removed after PR/ER + diagnosis? I'm starting zoledex in Jan and the thought of shots every month for 5 years if just something I don't want to do. Oncologist says to wait at least 5-6 months before considering the surgery. Anyone gone down this path?

[Mary115]

Hi Csholtz These decisions connected to cancer treatment are mind boggling, and resonate . I do not have direct experience that relates to your situation, but nine years ago at 65 years I had endometrial cancer and everything ,including ovaries, was removed. I have also had breast cancer with a new small spot on the lung...

I found the endo surgery and recovery relatively easy in comparison to other treatments, but I am an older woman and was post menapausal ...

I do not have much information to offer, but lots of understanding of how difficult these decisions are to make.....

So sending care and validation in whatever decision you come to make.

[suenavywife]

Hello, I too went down your path, 20 years ago, at about the age of 44, I had stage 0, ER+, DCIS, lumpectomy, 36 radiation treatments, 5 years of tamoxifen, no chemotherapy At that time all my doctors were male, and my oncologist recommended zoledex, and eventual oophorectomy. I also didn’t want to deal with the shots, so after a few months my ovaries were removed. Neither the oncologist, nor the gynecologist warned me about surgical menopause! After the fact, I had seen my surgeon one last time and his response was that the oncologist is more conservative then him, and he wouldn’t have suggested to have my overlies removed. Never thought about asking him for his opinion! Too late then. Life without ovaries means hot flashes, dryness and whatever else our bodies depend on estrogen.I survived the surgery, and lived to tell the tale. For me the tamoxifen and removing my ovaries didn’t matter, 16 years later, ILC, grade 1, ER+ again, was discovered. it was only 4 mm, in size, and I t was discovered on an MRI, by accident, the MRI was ordered to look at another area. and was treated with lumpectomy and only 24 radiations treatments this time.

I’ve taken anastrozole for a year now, I was hesitant taking it because of all the stories I’ve read about side affects. I’ve had my share of joint pain since taking it, most bothersome has been in my hands. Hopefully I won’t have bad bone loss.

Good luck and God Bless you in your decisions and on your journey.

[Rhwright12]

The shots can also be given every 3 months. I chose that option since I work full time and have Herceptin/Perjeta every 3 weeks....

[kduck in reply to Rhwright12]

Are you finished with radiation? How are you doing? I hope all is well

[Rhwright12 in reply to kduck]

Done with radiation...hair is still falling out...less than 10% left...getting new glasses next week...Hopefully they will work as I can not drive at this point...😀But otherwise I’m getting some energy back and am doing as well as can be expected after WBRT....Hopefully just a little speed bump i. Treatment...😀

[kduck in reply to Rhwright12]

I’m glad things went well, hopefully your glasses will help. Will you continue to stay on your same treatment? You have been on the same treatment for almost 5 years, I read about a lady who’s on that same treatment for 20 years! I thought that was amazing. Are you still going to continue to work?

[Rhwright12 in reply to kduck]

They changed my chemo from Herceptin/Perjeta to Kadcyla which is Herceptin and something else. But yes I was on that for 4 1/2 years...Since the Perjeta doesn’t go to the brain. It technically didn’t fail. So I can go back to it with a biologic that covers the brain. There are several in pill form in trials now...😀

[Lakelifenh]

I had my ovaries removed so I could go on ibrance and letrozole over 4 years ago. I’m am still on them.

[Sejj]

Yes, I had prophylactic total hysterectomy but I was already post menopausal so no meds. I wish you good health.