BRCA1 and Ovary Removal: How Did You Cope Emotionally and Physically at a Young Age?

Connect to people like me Family history, genes and cancer
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Hi everyone,

I’m 37 and recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Genetic testing showed I have a BRCA1 mutation, and I’ve been told that ovary removal (oophorectomy) is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

I’m feeling so scared and overwhelmed. I’ve always looked and felt younger than my age, and now I’m terrified that I’ll suddenly feel old. I know this might sound vain, but it’s something that’s really affecting me emotionally. I am also ER+, so no HRT for me.

At the same time, I’m terrified of developing ovarian cancer in the future. I don’t know how to make this decision.

I wanted to reach out to anyone here who has BRCA1 and had their ovaries removed — especially if you were younger.

How did you cope with the emotional and physical changes?
Did you feel different afterwards?

Any advice or shared experiences would mean so much right now. I just want to feel like I’m not alone in this.

Thank you in advance,
Nat

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Hi @nat_story
Sorry you haven’t had a response from the forum yet! I’m hoping someone will come along who can share their experience with you.
What I can say is, this diagnosis affects us all in so many different ways, there is no right or wrong way to feel.
How long do you have to make a decision? It might help to sign up to the someone like me service that BCN offer, I used it when I started treatment in 2023 and can’t recommend it enough.

I hope you’re keeping as well as you can :heart: