been offered hysterectomy and BSO

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hi everybody,

Just looking for a little advice really, diagnosed March 2007 with oestrogen and progesterone positive her2 postive breast cancer, 4 out of 6 lymph nodes affected.

after June 2007 no more periods until 3 months ago now they are horrendously heavy. Ive been offered a hysterectomy and BSO. Im currently on Tamoxifen and suffering lots of side-effects. What are the advantages of having the surgery, does it mean I can stop Tamoxifen, will I take something else. I was going into menopause according to blood results in September 2007 but am now out again apparently which is why my periods have restarted!

any advice or information would be gratefully received.

thanks everyone,

Pauline x

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Hi

Just wanted to tell you my experience. I was taking Tamoxifen for most of 3 years and developed Endometrial Cancer. Luckily I had my ovaries out about two years ago but have just had a hysterectomy laparascopically last Saturday.

I should have had it done at the time I had my ovaries out and I really regret that now.

So, go ahead, get rid of it all and there will hopefully be nothing more to go wrong.

I haven’t taken any anti oestrogens for a while but will see my breast onc when I find out the complete results of the hysterectomy.

Good luck, Grace T

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As I understand it, if you go through menopause you are offered different drugs other than Tamoxifan (although along same lines). Having a hysterectomy and ovaries removed or going through menopuase doesn’t stop all oestrogen in the body so medication is still given although obviously not having ovaries will reduce the oestrogen.

I had a hysterectomy 18 months ago for endometriosis although ovaries left. Not having to cope with heavy bleeding is wonderful! I sincerely wish I’d had ovaries removed now but at the time as I was 43, breast cancer not diagnosed the consultant thought it would better for me not to go into menopause.

I suppose some of this depends on your age, whether you are likely to want children in the future etc.
Elinda x

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I was post menopause and still put on Tamoxifen. I enjoyed no periods and dont want them back as I am over 50! I had WLE/Mastectomy and 2 nodes tested and clear - DCIS.

Caught early and thats why I thought I was put on Tamoxifen rather than other. Cant seem to work out why some post-menopausal women are give this rather than other.

I think its an individual thing.

Best wishes to all.

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Thanks everyone for your help and experiences.

I am seeing my onc soon so will quiz her really well! Then I will let you know what she says regarding the op.

Those of you who have had the op, what was your recovery like?

Thanks

Pauline x