Not sure if this is the right place to post this but my Zoladex injections finish in May and I don’t want ER/PR running riot in my body again. My quality of life has improved since Zoladex kicked in ie fewer migraines and no periods (previously very heavy bleeding and flooding). After referral by the Breast Care Team to Gynae, I’m having a total abdominal hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy in March.
Is there anyone out there in bc land who’ve had this op as a means to keeping the bc at bay as well as sorting out some gynae probs?
I’m not looking forward to the op at all - terrified in fact, but feel this is the way forward after part of the bc treatment finishes. I presume after the op I’ll be classed as post menopausal and will need to swap from Tam to an AI but this hasn’t been discussed yet.
I’ve joined a hysterectomy forum but I don’t feel as though I fit in there as the majority of members don’t have a cancer. Is there anyone on bcc who’s in the same position as me?
Not in the same position as I had a hysterectomy 18 months before my breast cancer diagnosis. However I didn’t have my ovaries removed and I’m meeting with my gynaecologist in January to discuss this.
I’ve had a bi lateral mastectomy (June 09), chemo and just finished radiotherapy.
My hysterectomy (and also had part of my bowel removed) was for severe endometriosis. I’m on tamoxifen but I’ve read that this can stimulate endometriosis so my gynaecologist says he’ll talk through the options and that I may be a candidate for an oopherectomy. Can’t say I relish the thought of even more surgery as I’ve now had 5 operations in the past 2 years but I’ll do whatever is needed.
If there’s anything you want to ask about the hysterectomy and that surgery I’ll be happy to help.
I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago for severe endometriosis and fibroadenomas (Benign) but my ovaries were left as the Gynaecologist felt I would be better going through a natural menopause (I’ll be 45 in January). At the time it would seem this was a good idea however I was diagnosed with grade 3 bc in October this year and I am ER+. The Breast Surgeon told me that my ovaries producing oestrogen have contributed to the ‘feeding’ of my bc today. I have just commenced chemo, will have another 5 cycles, then rads then Tamoxifen for 5 years.
My understanding from Onc and Breast Surgeon is that chemo should halt my ovaries producing the oestrogen by shutting them down and the follow up with Tamoxifen should get me through what would have been the ‘natural menopause’ period of my life and hopefully therefore if I were to develop further bc then it would not be fed by my oestrogen.
Had I known 3 years ago that I am an ER+ ‘grower’ and that this could facilitate in developing bc, I would probably have had the ovaries taken at the time of the hysterectomy (well that is my thinking now). In doing so it would have meant starting Tamoxifen straight away (which I now have to) and all the bone drugs/supplements for the rest of my life to prevent brittle bones. The Breast Surgeon has suggested considering an oophrectomy in teh future but having had 2 ops so far for bc and needing reconstruction after Rads - like you its all too much to think about at the moment - chemo is enough for now thank you!
All I can advise is do your homework - There does seem to be quite a strong connection with age related hysterectomy’s and bc and I’m not sure of what ‘status’ you will be classed as after the op.
My gynae problems were sorted and I got a life back until this October - so there are positives yes but as with everything in life just as you think you have conquered one problem another one comes a long to challenge us!!!
The operation itself was okay - obviously very uncomfortable initially and anyone who says that you are fine in 3 months is joking! I would say for me it was about 9 months before any sense of ‘dragging’ sensation in my lower belly subsided (a typical sign you are doing too much! and 18 months before I could truly say I felt really good with no more tiredness etc but then we are all different:)
I was diagnosed Oct/Nov 07 with lobular grade 2 no lymph node involvement. Initially had WLE followed by a mastectomy two weeks later. Three weeks of rads at Barts then back to work just before Easter 08. Was offered Tamoxifen but turned it down for several reasons.
Following gnae problems last Summer - very heavy bleeding and clots, I had a couple of scans then laparoscopy and hysteroscopy last month.
As a result I have been dx with endometrial complex hyperplasia without atypia. Basically some cells in the lining of the womb have been identified as having a potential to become pre cancerous. No link to bc except that they grow on oestrogen.
I was offered / advised a hysterectomy with removal of ovaries tubes etc.and told I would only need three months off work. I teach in a Nursery Class so bearing this in mind I looked at the other option which had been mentioned to me. This was to take progesterone then have another biopsy, I was also told that this would be the way forward if I was 20 years younger and hadn’t had bc.
I did a bit of research and made a decision. I am now on progesterone for 6 months then back in for another biopsy in June when I hope the cells will have regressed. And of course if not there is still the op to have a hysterectomy.
Its very difficult isn’t it when another problem arises that isn’t directly bc related but at the same time it doesn’t seem to fit into another area or forum
I found your info really helpful Leigh, especially about the recovery which really confirms my course of action at the moment
All the best with your treatment Claire there are obviously people on here who have had the same op so hopefuilly you will get advice and support.
I am hoping I wont need to go down that route in June but if I do I will know who to turn to.
Thank you Elinda, Magsi and Leigh for your thoughts and experiences. Hindsight is a fabulous thing, but we do the things we feel are right for us at the time as well as what we are advised to do. I was offered a hysterectomy in 05 but thinking back the op didn’t include ovaries so in all probability I would’ve still developed ER/PR+ bc.
I’m pinning my hopes on the positives of the total hysterectomy including the psychological factor of believing I’ll have done everything I can to keep bc at bay. Although I’m terrified about the prospect of the op, I keep reminding myself of the positives and improved quality of life I’ll experience which surely is vital to my mental health wellbeing.
I’ll carry on doing my homework - I’m committed to the op and as HRT and any product which mimics oestrogen are not an option, I’m looking at alternative therapies eg agnus castus together with an SSRI and Replens.
Bye for now
Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
and 18 months before I could truly say I felt really good with no more tiredness etc but then we are all different:)