Ovarian Oblatian

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frog08
frog08 Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am getting ready for treatment for breast cancer. My tumor was 2.5 cm. 3 nodes affected. Estrogen positive. HER negative. High grade. My doctor suggested chemo + radiation + hormone therapy of tamoxifen. A friend said a friend of hers was told to get rid of her ovaries because that is what was feeding the tumor and would cause a possible recurrance. I asked my doc about it and he said that the tamoxifen was just as effective as taking out my ovaries. The results would be the same. What do ya'll think?? I don't know what to believe. I want to trust my doc, but what if he's wrong. Any opinions??

Thanks, Linda

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  • marysun
    marysun Member Posts: 39 Member
    #2
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    Hi Frog. Not to be nosy, but how old are you? My cancer was similar to yours and I have been through the regimen your Dr. proposed. I was on my period for the first chemo treatment in December 2002 and that was my last period. I am also on Tamoxifen (2 months now). My onc said that the fact that I have not had a period for 7 months was good news, as the chemo has done its job and shut down my ovaries. I am 50 years old and was perimenopausal when diagnosed with cancer last August. Talk to your Dr. about YOUR situation. Each of us has cancer, but each cancer is unique to each person. If you do not trust your doctor, you need to look for one you can. Your life is in the doctor's hands. Good luck to you as you start this journey. The road my be muddy and rough, but you will survive. Love and (((hugs))). Marysun
  • marytres
    marytres Member Posts: 144
    #3
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    hi, your doc is right about tamoxifen. I was on it for 2 years and then switched over to Arimidex.I heard about not having your ovaries is better too and have discussed it with my oncologist. He says that if I want I have have them removed surgurically or chemically. I'll decided after the summer but definitely will. It's up to you and get another opinion if you like. And do trust your doc, but do get a second opinion. Good luck. Hugs, Marie
  • ktinkey
    ktinkey Member Posts: 170
    #4
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    Hi Linda,

    I was 35 when first diagnosed with breast cancer. Then at 44 it returned, Stage IV and was put on tamoxifen . The tamoxifen worked great for 4 years and then the cancer started growing again, so we knew we had to switch medications and stop the ovaries. I opted to have the ovaries removed, instead of chemically stopping them. I am very happy with my decision, but Linda it is up to you. Tamoxifen works great for many women and they have no recurrence. Every patient is unique and there are no blanket cures. If you would feel more at peace mentally with removing your ovaries, talk to your doctor about that (the mental part). I know my oncologist was a little leary about me having them removed, just because she didn't want me going through more surgery, if it wasn't needed. We may not realize how surgery affects us and the risks involved when it seems like everything goes so well. Remember anytime they have to put you in a deep sleep and take all your systems down to a slower pace, not to mention cutting you, there are great risks involved. We just have to be sure the end results far outweigh the risks. Really talk it over with your doctor and get a second opinion from your gynecologist. Do your homework and if you feel it is the right move for you and the doctor still won't listen, then find another doctor. You have to trust your doctor and you have to take charge of your own health.

    God Bless,
    Kathy
  • frog08
    frog08 Member Posts: 26
    #5
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    marysun said:

    Hi Frog. Not to be nosy, but how old are you? My cancer was similar to yours and I have been through the regimen your Dr. proposed. I was on my period for the first chemo treatment in December 2002 and that was my last period. I am also on Tamoxifen (2 months now). My onc said that the fact that I have not had a period for 7 months was good news, as the chemo has done its job and shut down my ovaries. I am 50 years old and was perimenopausal when diagnosed with cancer last August. Talk to your Dr. about YOUR situation. Each of us has cancer, but each cancer is unique to each person. If you do not trust your doctor, you need to look for one you can. Your life is in the doctor's hands. Good luck to you as you start this journey. The road my be muddy and rough, but you will survive. Love and (((hugs))). Marysun

    Marysun, thanks for your response. I am 41 years old. I appreciate your advice. Linda
  • smvargo
    smvargo Member Posts: 39
    #6
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    Frog,
    If you have not even started chemo. yet and then will have radiation, you don't need to decide now what will follow. My experience with chemo. affected my decision to have an ovarian ablation. I was just sick of drugs and side effects. I am 47 and was perimenopausal prior to my diagnosis. The chemo. stopped my periods but they returned. My oncologist has been recommending ovarian ablation with Arimidex to more of his patients. There is a lot to weigh in making this decision. I would suggest you focus on the chemo and completing radiation. Gather information and get feedback and then make your decision. The tamoxifen studies are encouraging, but so are studies with Arimidex in post menopausal women. You will know what is right for you.
    Stephanie

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