I was diagnosed with lobular cancer and dcis in my right breast last July, had bilateral mastectomy in Aug, luckily I didn’t need chemo or rads now on tamoxifen and Zoladex injection. I am now 12 weeks post bilateral recon and well happy with the results using the muscle and skin from the back.
I have heard that if you have had bc you could be at higher risk of ovarian cancer, this is really starting to play on my mind. I am 42 have two wonderful children and have no desires to have any more so if there is a link I would like to have my ovaries removed.
Has anyone else heard of this link or indeed had the ovaries removed because of the link.
This site has helped me so much and I would just like to say a big thank you to you all
Sorry forgot to say I have had the genetic test as both mother and sister have had breast cancer, I do not carry the BRACA 1 or 2 but the letter said there could still be a genetic link as strong family history but they don’t have the technology to test at the moment, so they consider my daughter is still at considerable risk of developing bc which is obviously extremely worrying. I haven’t told my daughter anything about the genetics as she is only 15 and has enough on her plate with forthcoming exams etc, so will speak to her when she’s alittle older.
I also was concerned about ovarian cancer due to being on Tamoxifen and my onc advised that at the moment 1 in 500 women will get ov cancer and when on Tamoxifen the risk is still low and goes to 2 in 500, i trust him impeccably and he didnt think there was anything to worry about, im not having periods and he said that one of the first signs of ov cancer is bleeding and to report to him if i do.
Hi Tracey, i am still having periods, but i didn’t have chemo, this is the first i’ve heard about ov cancer, i just thought the risk with tamoxifen was for older post menopausal women and that risk is womb cancer. tell me more please
I was told by the gynaecologist there is an increased risk of ovarian cancer with women who’ve had breast cancer. However, like Alison, I understand the risk tamoxifen poses is an increased risk of womb cancer. I’ve recently been checked very thoroughly (have been taking tamoxifen for 3 yrs) since I reported a change in vaginal discharge. Breast and gynaecology drs take this very seriously because of the tamoxifen-womb cancer link, even though it is a relatively rare occurrence. It was found I had thickened area and polyp in the womb lining, but d & c showed nothing sinister. Everyone along the way has emphasised tamoxifen’s benefits, and strongly recommended that I should not stop taking it…not that I ever wanted to anyway unless it was necessary.
Hi there kaz like yourself i had lobular and had a bilateral mastectomy back in sept the only difference being i had 8 shots of chemo .My onc told me the chances of me getting ovarian were quite high as it run in my family . So i took the plunge in jan and had both removed was advised to do so . The only downside is the hot flushes they come fast and furious.But at the end of the day like yourself we are young and life is for living babe
Take care . love julie
Thanks for the info, when you say it runs in the family is that Breast cancer or Ovarian. I have a family history of breast cancer both my mum and older sister. Have you had the genetic testing done, I have and luckily do not carry the BRACA 1 or 2 gene.
I, like you would quite happily have my ovaries removed if I am at a higher risk as I am 42 and have two children with no desires to have any more.
I have a check up appt tomorrow with my breast surgeon so will ask his advise, I would be very grateful if you could reply to my questions before I see him.
Hi karen sorry i didnt mention it is breast cancer that runs in my family my mum and 3 aunties had it .Only one of them it spread into their ovaries but that was enough for me to get mine taken out .Like yourself i was tested for gene but i dont have any mutant gene showing up .I have two kids and i had finished my family so i suppose it was easy for me to say .I hope i have been of some help to you karen .Good luck with tomorrow ,let me know how you get on .Take care babe Juliexxxxxxxx
Thank you so much for your comments, I went to see my surgeon yesterday and he wouldn’t entertain taking out my ovaries at this time. He said that at my age (42) having my ovaries was more benefitial to me than removing them even though I am considered at a higher risk. He will remove them once I hit the menopause, to be honest I would prefer to have them removed sooner rather than later. I’ve heard of alot of women younger than me having them removed because of the risks - I suppose it depends on where you live and which surgeon you’re under.
Suppose I’ll just have to wait now for nature to take its course.
Hi karen thanks for getting back to me .I cant understand how they wont do that for you if you are at high risk i was the same and i didnt have a choice in the matter .I am in stonehaven its beside aberdeen i dont know if they do work differently ,but hey its someones life your talking about . If your mind is made up just you go back babe and tell them that it is a worry to you .My god we have enough to worry about with any lumps coming back so having this as an added worry to you is not fair . Otherwise are you doing ok ? I am sending you a hug love jools xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx