Ovary removal is offered to me, as I have BRCA2, any advice?

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Ovary removal is offered to me, as I have BRCA2, any advice?

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Ovary removal is offered to me, as I have BRCA2, any advice? Hi

I had breast cancer and lumpectomy, chemo, radiotherapy in 2004, and tamoxifen since then. I had been feeling back to normal, with no side effects / menopausal symptoms. Now I’ve just been diagnosed with BRCA2 gene, so I think they’ll now recommend shutting down ovaries. I have an appointment on 21st June to discuss with doctor.

I am worried about the treatment to remove / irradiate ovaries. Is it painful? Will it mean being away from home / out of action for a while? As I’ve had a caesarean, would I be able to have it laparoscopically? And I’m worried about getting menopausal symptoms all of a sudden. How bad is that?

I’m not sure if they’ll recommend prophylactic mastectomies, but I think ovarian treatment is more likely.

Any advice / similar experiences?

Thanks

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Thanks Helen, that is really helpful.

I just took 2 ostoecare tablets yesterday. I hadn’t been taking them as I really dislike swallowing those big things. I guess I’ll have to put up with it, or investigate something soluble.

I am worried about bones, as I’ve reduced my dairy intake to very minimal (because of fears of links with oestrogen and breast cancer, and because of fat content). I eat plenty of fruit and veg, but if I lose ovaries, I guess I’ll have to think about diet even more carefully. I might ask to see a dietician.

My sister is 33 (the age I was at diagnosis). She is going to have the genetic test, but I have suggested that she ask for MRI scans asap anyway.

I’d welcome any other advice / shared experiences.

Best wishes

Cath

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Genetic test Hya Cath,

I had WLE and axcillary clearance, radiotherapy then Tamoxifen in Oct 05, I had problems on the Tamoxifen so stopped taking them after 9 months, I had scan 3 months ago on my ovaries and they found very large cyst on Ovary, I opted for total hysterectomy and removal of ovaries, I had the abdominal incision, that was 7 weeks ago and I am fine pain wise, I have been getting flushes etc and cannot have hrt, I had not heard of the osteocare tablets but I will be getting some of them. I went straight into surgical menopause but it is fine, I get a bit of insomnia but I think now that is more related to the operation than anything else, the hot sweats I keep blaming on the muggy weather now!!
There were people in when I was in just having ovaries removed and they were in and out most the same day and they were fine.
There is another site where you can get information regarding ovary removal, hysterectomy etc on www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk
They have forums etc for different types of ops and also for younger women having these ops, I found it really helpful.
I hope everything goes well for you Cath, keep in touch let me know how you get on,

Take care, Rowlaine x