Has anyone had their ovaries removed after already having tummy surgery? It had been offered as an option and my oncologist is going to refer me to a gynaecologist to see what options there are. She thought it may be possible to do this via the vagina but when i googled it the search shows laparoscopic surgery but i my belly button has had surgery done on it already.
Some background info. I am 54 and breast cancer was estrogen positive. I had my DIEP reconstruction surgery 7 weeks ago. Before chemo i was still haveing periods but they were becoming irregular and i haven’t had one since chemo. Hormone blood test was “borderline”. I also have leukemia and medication i take means i can’t have tamoxifen and there are risks associated with zoladex but i think these are low. I am having herceptin injections 3 weekly and will shortly start Letrozole.
I know my case is a it of an odd one but if anyone has been in a similar position then any information would be appreciated. It may all become more clear once i talk to a gynaecologist.
Thank you
Hi Christine
Im hoping that someone in your situation will reply, however I thought I would reply as I have experienced the reverse situation. The CT scan I had pre DIEP showed a large ovarian cyst on one ovary, which had never given me any symptoms. I was told it needed to be removed and that they would need to do it before the DIEP. I had both ovaries and cyst removed via laparoscopy, they did use my belly button as the ‘port’ through which they removed everything.
I had a second CT scan after the ovary removal and before the DIEP to check that all OK to proceed. The main thing they were interested in was whether the blood vessels that they needed for the DIEP were all OK after the first operation. In the end I had the mastectomy and DIEP 3 months after the ovary removal.
As surgical techniques seem to be advancing all the time Im sure there will be options for you, they may well want to do a scan to see the ‘lay of the land’ in terms of your abdomen.
I do hope you have options. If you are offered laparascopic removal and want any tips on recovery then do let me know.
Best wishes
Strawberry