Removal of Ovaries-good experience

smvargo
smvargo Member Posts: 39
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
For any woman that is struggling with the decision of ovarian ablation, I want to let you know that my experience with this choice and procedure has been positive. I am 47 years old and opted for ovarian ablation rather than taking medication to induce chemical menopause. I am currently taking Arimidex since the removal of my ovaries. Each one of us needs to make the decision that is best for us. I just really wanted to share that opting for ovarian ablation was the right decision for me. I do have very mild hot flashes, but otherwise, I am feeling better than I felt before my diagnosis. I have lost weight but have not lost my sex drive. I disagree that ovarian ablation is a "radical" procedure and am so relieved since my surgery. If anyone is struggling with this decision, please email me at smvargo@hotmail.com
I am glad I made the right choice for me. I want to thank all the women who shared their experiences with me. Ovarian ablation is a viable option and I now know why others who have opted for this procedure told me they were very pleased with their decisions.
Stephanie

Comments

  • SusanG
    SusanG Member Posts: 8
    Hi Smvargo,

    This may be a silly question but why did you have the ablation? Did it have something to do with being hormone receptive due to breast cancer?

    Just curious,
    Thanks and Hugs,
    Susan
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    It is so good to hear that everything worked out very well. Thank for letting us know! Hugs, Denise
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148 Member
    God is just so AMAZING! I have been running the option thru my mind because I am 46 and have several friends that have had hysterectomies and are skipping into the 50's. I really am very interested and plan to have a deep discussion with my GYN this month when I see him. He is also, a personal friend so I know he will do what I want if it is a good idea for me. Did insurance give you any problems with the "elective" surgery? I still cannot believe I am reading about this and the decision has ben flip flopping in my mind. Honestly, I should have known because I am always asking God to take over and drive since He does such a better job. Smvargo, Thank You for writing when you did about what you did, it will help me a great deal. I say a big CONGRATS to you for making the brave decision and having the courage to go through it! Hoo Ahh girl!
  • smvargo
    smvargo Member Posts: 39
    SusanG said:

    Hi Smvargo,

    This may be a silly question but why did you have the ablation? Did it have something to do with being hormone receptive due to breast cancer?

    Just curious,
    Thanks and Hugs,
    Susan

    My cancer was estrogen receptive. I was unable to tolerate tamoxifen, plus my blood work showed that I was post menopausal in April. I went on Arimidex with no problems at that time. I started my periods again in July. I opted for ovarian ablaton at that time and wanted to stay on Arimidex. I had had enough of side effects and didn'lt want to go the Lupron route.
    Stephanie
  • smvargo
    smvargo Member Posts: 39
    Snookums said:

    God is just so AMAZING! I have been running the option thru my mind because I am 46 and have several friends that have had hysterectomies and are skipping into the 50's. I really am very interested and plan to have a deep discussion with my GYN this month when I see him. He is also, a personal friend so I know he will do what I want if it is a good idea for me. Did insurance give you any problems with the "elective" surgery? I still cannot believe I am reading about this and the decision has ben flip flopping in my mind. Honestly, I should have known because I am always asking God to take over and drive since He does such a better job. Smvargo, Thank You for writing when you did about what you did, it will help me a great deal. I say a big CONGRATS to you for making the brave decision and having the courage to go through it! Hoo Ahh girl!

    My insurance paid for everything. The gynocologist who performed my surgery deemed the procedure "medically necessary" due to my family history of breat cancer.
    Stephanie
  • Astrid
    Astrid Member Posts: 17
    I have read several places that the removal of ovary significantly reduces your risk of breast cancer reoccurrence. I was diagnosed in November. I am 47 and pre menopausal. My grandmother and sister both were diagnosed pre menopausal with breast cancer and both died young. My sister was only 40 and my grandmother was 53. Because of this I am seriously considering having my ovaries removed but am scared because my husband and partner of 26 years still have a very active sex life and I have great organisms. I am not ready to have mastectomies. I am scheduled for a lumpectomy tomorrow and after we treat this cancer and am sure of no metastases, I am going to do some serious research on ovarian removal. I was wondering if anyone who has had their ovaries removed can shed some light on their sex drive and orgasms after the operation.