One year since last chemo and Oophorectomy scheduled

Just take it easy.
Just take it easy and make sure someone is around to help you.That surgery(total hysteroctomy) was the first time my husband was helpful.He had no choice.Before worked just piled up or I broke down and did things.That surgery I did NOTHING for 1 week.

I am sure your doctor has told you NO hormones.I have a family history of breast cancer, I also had benign tumors since I was 20 and now have breast cancer myself so I NEVER took hormones but I did still get bc 14 year later.Could have been sooner if I would have taken hormones.

As soon as you feel up to it walk just a little more everyday.Helps get your strength up. Walk a bit more than the day before. Soon you will be back to normal. I am so glad I had this surgery and didn't have to worry about uterine cancer now that I take tamoxifin.It's all GONE.No cancer will be developing there.

Oh and eat.That time my husband fixed 3 course meals for me.I couldn't wait till the next meal.I was so hungry and needed my strength.


Lynn Smith

I had the surgery....
Janice,
I also had the surgery to have ovaries removed. It was done laproscopically. For me, I had severe pain in the abdomen (which I think was from them putting air in to expand the area) so I took percocet for almost 2 weeks. The surprising thing to me was that I actually got what looked like a period. I guess one last hurrah! I just wasn't expecting that. Are you have laproscopic or regular surgery? Good luck with everything! It's a relief when it's over.
Chris

mamolady said:

surgery
Janice, we are having the same surgery the same day! My understanding is that it will be very little recovery time. Unless they have to go with open surgery. I have had laproscopic surgery before and it isn't bad unless they leave alot of air in there.
The OB did say my hot flashes may get worse so keep that in mind.
All the best,
Cindy

Janice .. A Lot has happened in 1 year --
and I am thrilled that you have come out a victorious Survivor.!!!! KUDOS to you, dear one.

Please take care of yourself after your upcoming surgery. Happy to see that both you, and your doctor are taking preventive measures to keep you safe and healthy.

Strength, Courage and Hope.

Vicki Sam

I had breast cancer and complete hysterectomy
I wrote this yesterday in reply to someone elses question about the surgery but it relates even more to what you are facing. I have also started a blog for those of us without ovaries and not eligible for homone replacement therapy.
"Having had estrogen-positive breast cancer . . . twice, (the same cancer not effectively treated in 2004), during the the second treatment plan I decided to have a total hysterectomy because during round one, I took Tamoxin and it obvioulsy was not an effective drug to prevent my breast cancer. A new similar pill can only be taken if you are post-menopausal. So we needed to get me there - either by drugs or surgery because I was pre-menopausal at the time -- in my early 40's. We opted for the surgery because of a series of serious woman issues I won't go into (TMI). With my second breast cancer diagnosis the PET-Scan did show possible cacerous activity in my uterus. There is a drug-induced menaopause but it increases risk for uterine or ovarian cancer (can't remember which), so I opted for the surgery in November 2008. I think your big question for your doctor is whether you will get Hormone Relacement Therapy or are you going to have to face menopause "cold-turkey" -- without the hormones the ovaries produce. I had to go "cold-turkey" because the primary reason for my total hysterectomy was the fact I was treating estrogen-positive breast cancer. The number one problem I am having now that I am living without hormones is insomnia -- HUGE problem. I have been seing doctors for a couple years now and am actively seeking help. The first protocal for a woman with this problem is to recommend hormone replace therapy BUT I can't - geez that's why I had them taken out - to get rid of estrogen! There are no real medical solutions for me. Every situation is unique and I am an anomoly who would love to meet other estrogen-positive breast cancer survivors like me, living without those hormones and chronically suffering from insomnia and/or other issues!"

Boppy_of_6 said:

Thank you all
Thank you all for the kind words thoughts and prayers. @ Chris I am having the laproscopic surgery. Cindy you and I will have to keep up with each other since we are having this the same day, and yes he did warn me the hot flashes might get worse. I think it is worth that chance though! God Bless
(((hugs))) Janice

Hoping your surgery goes
Hoping your surgery goes well for you Janice! Post to update us when you can.


Prayers and hugs,


Angie

Folliculitis Horse said:

I had breast cancer and complete hysterectomy
I wrote this yesterday in reply to someone elses question about the surgery but it relates even more to what you are facing. I have also started a blog for those of us without ovaries and not eligible for homone replacement therapy.
"Having had estrogen-positive breast cancer . . . twice, (the same cancer not effectively treated in 2004), during the the second treatment plan I decided to have a total hysterectomy because during round one, I took Tamoxin and it obvioulsy was not an effective drug to prevent my breast cancer. A new similar pill can only be taken if you are post-menopausal. So we needed to get me there - either by drugs or surgery because I was pre-menopausal at the time -- in my early 40's. We opted for the surgery because of a series of serious woman issues I won't go into (TMI). With my second breast cancer diagnosis the PET-Scan did show possible cacerous activity in my uterus. There is a drug-induced menaopause but it increases risk for uterine or ovarian cancer (can't remember which), so I opted for the surgery in November 2008. I think your big question for your doctor is whether you will get Hormone Relacement Therapy or are you going to have to face menopause "cold-turkey" -- without the hormones the ovaries produce. I had to go "cold-turkey" because the primary reason for my total hysterectomy was the fact I was treating estrogen-positive breast cancer. The number one problem I am having now that I am living without hormones is insomnia -- HUGE problem. I have been seing doctors for a couple years now and am actively seeking help. The first protocal for a woman with this problem is to recommend hormone replace therapy BUT I can't - geez that's why I had them taken out - to get rid of estrogen! There are no real medical solutions for me. Every situation is unique and I am an anomoly who would love to meet other estrogen-positive breast cancer survivors like me, living without those hormones and chronically suffering from insomnia and/or other issues!"

Estrogen
Estrogen positive here. Both sides (I understand this common). Pre menaposal. Bilateral and chemo. Tamoxifen (this drug did not stop my mum from getting more cancer either). So my thoughts are I am surprised how many ladies cancer travels beyond the breast to the chest or cancer in our lower regions occurs. I had infiltrating lobular. Everything good now have to say but I do constantly worry how just a few missed cells could cause problems later on, some ladies are in trouble six month after surgery. Just cant get rid of the feeling its over but its not. Hot flashes are horrible but I can and have to live with them. Tamoxifen is great for some but not always successful, makes me wonder if worth being on it, very confusing. Wondered about a hysterectomy but think I will arrange my yearly physical and discuss when an MRI should be taken next as mammos are out now due to implants and mammos didn't pick any of my cancers in the first place. Yes, some nights I cannot sleep. How women work with this problem beats me, they are amazing are you one of those? By the way it is now 3.30 am and I am up ironing.................... I dont think there is a way round it. I will not take sleeping tabs, dont want any more meds than really need to take. Weight gain..... well its age lets be honest plus meds dont help and the chemo went very well but I feel ten years older sometimes. Everything was such an effort for a while but am feeling better now (last chemo Nov last year). I also get Night Terrors due to I feel the mixture of Tamoxifen and Cymbalta. Cymbalta is another nasty drug but works very well for me. Have the added worry of coming off this drug when period free because my depression I am certain originates from hormone activity, had this problem since I was around 12 years old. Love to hear from you.

Folliculitis Horse said:

I had breast cancer and complete hysterectomy
I wrote this yesterday in reply to someone elses question about the surgery but it relates even more to what you are facing. I have also started a blog for those of us without ovaries and not eligible for homone replacement therapy.
"Having had estrogen-positive breast cancer . . . twice, (the same cancer not effectively treated in 2004), during the the second treatment plan I decided to have a total hysterectomy because during round one, I took Tamoxin and it obvioulsy was not an effective drug to prevent my breast cancer. A new similar pill can only be taken if you are post-menopausal. So we needed to get me there - either by drugs or surgery because I was pre-menopausal at the time -- in my early 40's. We opted for the surgery because of a series of serious woman issues I won't go into (TMI). With my second breast cancer diagnosis the PET-Scan did show possible cacerous activity in my uterus. There is a drug-induced menaopause but it increases risk for uterine or ovarian cancer (can't remember which), so I opted for the surgery in November 2008. I think your big question for your doctor is whether you will get Hormone Relacement Therapy or are you going to have to face menopause "cold-turkey" -- without the hormones the ovaries produce. I had to go "cold-turkey" because the primary reason for my total hysterectomy was the fact I was treating estrogen-positive breast cancer. The number one problem I am having now that I am living without hormones is insomnia -- HUGE problem. I have been seing doctors for a couple years now and am actively seeking help. The first protocal for a woman with this problem is to recommend hormone replace therapy BUT I can't - geez that's why I had them taken out - to get rid of estrogen! There are no real medical solutions for me. Every situation is unique and I am an anomoly who would love to meet other estrogen-positive breast cancer survivors like me, living without those hormones and chronically suffering from insomnia and/or other issues!"

I will be saying prayers for
I will be saying prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery for you!