Haven’t been on here in a while but just wanted some advice. I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer 10 years ago aged 28. With no family history no genetic testing was done, however after a change in oncologist it was and I’m BRCA1 positive. I’ve had a double mascetomy with expanders and just had the permanent implants “installed”. Now to my ovaries… I’m now 38, single with no kids, though I’ve never wanted any and looking to get my ovaries removed asap, but my Mum has suggested looking into having a full hysterectomy rather than just my ovaries. To be honest I’m not so keen but just wanted some advice xx
HI Emma, no answer or any idea from me, but just wanted to say, yay for 10 years (me too!) and I’m really feeling for you making tough decisions still. My instinct would be to see two GPs (if your practice is big enough) and also talk to your practice nurse and listen to them. You may end up none the wiser but you can get a feel for their inclinations to help you a bit further.
Good luck!
x
Hi Northern Emma. Hope you’re doing okay. I’m a brca1 triple negative -er too. I’m a bit older than you and had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in 2013. Why are you drawn to a hysterectomy? Have you thought or talked to anyone about how you might manage the menopausal symptoms - obviously for us, these effects are not a reason not to have surgery, but it’s important to think ahead about how you might cope. Everyone is different and you may be really lucky and have minimal effects, but a surgical menopause is not the same as a natural menopause. Can you discuss these concerns with someone at your Genetics Centre? It’s a much easier op to manage than the mastectomy but the long term effects need to be carefully considered. Sorry if I sound negative, I’m not at all, but I think if you can go into this prepared and with a plan you’ll cope better. Rattles, x
Hi Northern Emma, when I reread my post, the question looked a bit direct. Sorry! I was trying to gauge where you are at because if you’ve thought about HRT after having your ovaries removed, having a hysterectomy is something some people consider. If you’ve had triple negative breast cancer and you’ve had mastectomies you can have HRT (I dunno if you’ve thought about it?) as we are not thought to be at increased risk. Having your ovaries removed has long term effects which you need to make choices about how you will manage. Have an open mind. Talk to others. It’s tough and I’m sorry you have to face these challenges as well. Let me know if I can help at all. Rattles, xx