Your Ovaries: Take ‘em or leave ‘em?
Whether or not a survivor even questions the presence of her ovaries in her body depends on the results of her pathology and the answer to one specific question: is her cancer estrogen receptive?
If she is, and the cancer in her body ‘feeds’ on estrogen, there are treatment options to consider that will either (1) suppress her estrogen production with pharmaceuticals (Tamoxifen tablets) (2) chemically stop her estrogen production (Zolodex shots) (3) remove her estrogen production (Oopherectomy).
I realized that I’d stopped telling my personal survivor story after my kids came to visit me post-op. I should get back to that, but I thought I’d diverge one minute because I’ve had all three of the above treatment options and this news story just over the wire stopped me in my tracks … “Removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) plus tamoxifen, as adjuvant, or “add-on” therapy, significantly improves survival in premenopausal women with operable breast cancer, a study indicates.”
Well, I thought, should have had the dang ovaries out right from the start. Instead, I took the Tamoxifen solo, had a recurrence then had to endure monthly Zolodex shots to put me into chemical menopause (ouch) — only to find out I needed my ovaries out.
Today, aside from the fact that I’m still getting used to life without two of my abdominal muscles (thank you, TRAM Flap), I’m definitely used to life without my ovaries
(any my uterus and my cervix, thank you, they took it all this time). I feel fantastic. Hormonally balanced. No highs/lows — even keel.
No more estrogen, no more cancer, that’s the plan. Estrogen in my body was bad, bad, bad. And I’ll never take Hormone Replacement Therapy, because in my body, I’ll repeat. Estrogen was bad, bad, bad.
Tomorrow I’ll get back to my story … starting with life after the hospital, recovering from my TRAM flap and the life changing events that occurred shortly thereafter. (If you need to start at the beginning, start here.)
Meanwhile … do you have your ovaries? If you do, do you want ‘em gone? If you don’t, are you glad they’re gone? You tell me …
cancer, breast cancer, estrogen, estrogen receptive, health, health and wellness, hormone replacement therapy, hysterectomy, oopherectomy, ovaries, survival, Tamoxifen, TRAM flap, welness, Zolodex
January 18th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Karen,
My tumor was estrogen receptor positive, I decided against tamoxifen, and I still have my ovaries. I feel ok with keeping them. I personally dont see any reason to go through surgery and loose them because I believe in many alternative ways to keep myself cancer free or what I believe does that for me! I have learned to not fear my estrogen, and I have made many dietary changes, including juicing and some raw food as well as meditation, and Yoga type exercise to try to keep my mind in balance. Some people think I am crazy but each of us has to make personal decisions that work for us.
Interesting topic! Great post! I am curious to see others responses…..
January 20th, 2008 at 10:27 am
I’ve spoken to several survivors with estrogen-positive tumors, who–like me–were never told that getting my ovaries removed would be a prudent thing! I was on Tamoxifen for a year after mastec/chemo/radiation, then a month after being switched to Arimidex, I began experiencing non-stop vaginal bleeding. After I went 37 days with a heavy flow, my gyn FINALLY performed a hysterectomy w/ oophrectomy. My oncologist was out of the country during this time, so I had to rely on the gyn who really had no clue that this could have been related to my cancer treatments. When my onco returned & I let him know what had gone on, he indicated that my chemo had not “killed” my ovaries, as had been expected, and my body was making buttloads of estrogen to make up for all the time it had been suppressed. Needless to say, my prognosis is not nearly as good anymore, but my gyn did the right thing by removing the ovaries. I’m back on Arimidex and taking one day at a time!
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Take those ovaries! I had my ovaries removed when I had my TRAM flap! I am so glad. Like Karen, no more highs and lows! Instant menopause was tough for about 6 months but well worth the peace of mind for being estrogen free when my cancer was also estrogen receptor positive.
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Cathi, I love your line, ‘I’ve learned not to fear my estrogen’ — I think the fact that you made dietary changes is empowering to you the way removing my ovaries empowered me. I’m so impressed you are walking that walk … we have to talk juicing sometime … that’s so Kris Carr of you and I’m impressed!
Robin, one day at a time is all we can do, isn’t it? We can’t look back on decisions we made because we make the best ones we can with the information we have (or are given) at the time. I just wish we all had all the questions to ask instead of just relying on what we are told … but that’s another story, isn’t it?
Michelle, I took Effexor to manage my hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms — at a low dose — at it worked wonders. Did you take anything or did you just grin and bear it (and bare all … ha!)?