Oophorodectomy or hysterectomy

Living with secondary breast cancer
1

Hello
I hope I’ve spelled those correctly!
Just a question for any women with ER + secondary bc who’ve had goserelin to suppress ovarian estrogen production.
My Oncologist referred me for an oophorodectomy which is an op to remove ovaries thereby removing estrogen production. The gynychologist recommended a hysterectomy with oophorodectomy as well. She has given me the choice ie oophorodectomy or hysterectomy with oophorodectomy.

Has anyone else been offered this? What helped you with your decision?
What side effects did you have?
Did it make any menopause symptoms better or worse?

Thanks for any info, Lisa G

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Hi, I had a total hysterectomy after my treatment for primary BC. I made the decision quite easily as I felt that it would stop any other female only cancers. Also my Auntie had womb cancer after BC. It didnt make my menopausal symptoms any worse. Ive never regretted having it done. x

1 Like
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Hi,

I guess either opetation would be laparoscopic, and recovery times the same.

As previous reply said full hysterectomy removes risk of womb and cervical cancer.

Side effect wise i’d been on Tamoxifen for a while and noticed no increase in hot flushes etc.

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Thanks both for your helpful responses.
Lisa G

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Hi
I was initially on goserelin when I was first diagnosed in 2015, but after a few months my oncologist thought it would be beneficial for my ovaries to be removed, I was apprehensive at first, as I had gone through primary and secondary BC within a matter of weeks. After weighing up the pros and cons I decided to have the oophorectomy (apologies in advance if incorrect spelling), the decision was based on the fact I would not have to have monthly injections of goserelin, and totally suppress the estrogen production. It was a laparoscopic procedure, and recovery was just over 2 weeks. Initially I had hot flushes, which lasted for about 6 weeks, but never having had a natural menopause, the hot flushes were short lived. For me personally, with all my apprehension, it was the best decision I had made.
Hope this helps.

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Hello Maria

Thanks for your message, that’s really useful info.

Best wishes, Lisa

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It is the ovaries that produce the oestrogen so removing them will push you into the menopause if you are not yet menopausal
assuming you do not want kids , there seems little point in keeping the womb

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Thanks Juliecharlie!