I have asked to have my ovaries removed but,was denied the pleasure. Can I insist that this is done ?
I have just had mine removed for preventative measures. I am ER+ and my onc referred me straight away to have mine removed at my request. I dont know if you can insist or not though. But if it increases your chances by removing them I would definately speak to BCN to ask why you have been denied.
Good luck
Ness1. x
Hi emmalin
You may find our factsheet called ‘Ovarian ablation and supression’ helpful to read, it may help you to understand more about when and how this procedure is carried out, just follow this link:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/ovarian_ablation_june_2007_0.pdf
Please also feel free to call our helpliners for more information and support, weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2 on 0808 800 6000.
Best wishes
Lucy
hi emmalin i had mine removed in aug i had them removed for preventative due to faulty gene. i m 32 yrs old is it perhaps they have said u are too young or have they given u a reason? love lainey xx
My oncologist has given me the option of 2yrs zoladex (currently had 8mths) or at any time to have ovaries removed and stop zoladex. Think I will have them out in new year by keyhole. Im 35, dx Feb 08
Hi
Some oncologists (mine included) don’t like to remove ovaries in younger women due to going into an early menopause which has it’s own problems mainly bone thinning. However if this is their only objection then there are drugs that can help such as bisphosphonates (which I take for secondaries in bones), these are prescribed for osteoporosis which is the same type of damage as bone mets. By the way I have just had my ovaries ablated (ie using rads) as I’m still very hormone sensitive. Not necessarily recommending it unless you want to lose about half a stone in 3 weeks and never venture far from the loo!
Nicky
My onc called it chemical castration when I asked about it, she said she would only remove if really needed as side effects are then irreversable and can cause alot more trouble.
I was 37 diagnosed 3 yrs ago ER+, PR+ and her 2 +++.
Debbie
I’m having mine removed next year because I’m a BRCA1 carrier, I’m starting Tamoxifen soon which I think should prepare my body a little but we all have to go through menopause eventually and as Nicky said there are things to help lessen the impact, for me a 40% risk of ovarian cancer is just too high. today I got the letter telling me that the blood test part of ovarian screening is clear and I almost smacked my head on the ceiling I jumped for joy that much so I guess it was bothering me more than I thought.
I had mine removed due to possible family history but to be honest they all said if I wanted to do everything possible it was an option - Im 35 and no one really discussed the down sides - Im 2 month down the line and doing really weel touch wood and I did want to be on arimidex. Since then discovered faulty gene and told have reduced my chance from around 80% to about 2% so glad I done it.
x
P.s. angie - congrats! One less thing to worry about!
I have been asking to have mine removed since 2005 after finishing chemo and radiotherapy following lumpectomy and one lymph node involvement, ER+ and on tamoxifen and azure trial (biophosphates iv 6 monthly). I eventually gave up asking last year after being reassured by my surgeon and onc that I was low risk and side effects (early menopause) outweiged benefits. Unfortunately this week they have found bone secondaries in my sternum with lymph node involvement so at present I am regretting not demanding ovarian ablation! It is a difficult decision and I dont know if it would have come back any way but I am thinking that the risk of menopause side effects definately outweigh the risk of dying!!