hysteroscopy

Lynn Smith said:

Get those ovaries

Get those ovaries out.Why? because years ago I ran into a girl who lived near us years before. Her  mom had passed. I knew it was cancer but didn't know where.Her daughter told me female cancer.Oh no your mom had a hysteroctomy years ago.Her reply "YES she did but they left the ovaries" I was 48 when I needed a hysterotomy and remembering that I said take it all.I don't want ovarian cancer which is  the hardest cancer to detect and also by the time its  found it has spread,

For me I feel it's just one less place to get cancer.They also took my cervix and of course the uterus. nothing left and the way I want it. And since I take tamoxifin I don't have the worries or problems taking that.

Lynn Smith

 

Please talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of keeping your ovaries -- unfortunately, it's not a simple issue.

I've had discussions with both my oncologist and gynecologist about possibly having my ovaries removed (what would in my case be a purely preventive procedure).  Both of them have explained that research is showing that a woman's ovaries have a cardio-protective effect, and that women who have them removed may be at higher risk for heart disease.

This is an important issue for me, because I have a family history of heart disease -- each of our situations is different, and it looks like a woman's decision would have to take into account her own personal risk of heart disease as well as risk of various cancers.

I wish it were as simple for me as "get them out," but -- as with so many decisions we have to make -- it's not.  Be sure to talk about all the pros and cons with your doctor.

Traci

Josie21 said:

Tough decision

Well here's my story Hope4thebest.  I hope it helps you. I had ovarian cysts that would not go away.  They kept sending me for ultrasounds and as soon as the cysts got bigger, I was told to have the hysterectomy.  I had everything, but my cervix removed.  They decided to remove my ovaries because the tamoxifen had basically zapped them.  I was 45 and I was having menopausal symptoms already because of two and a half years on the tamoxifen.  That is why I did it.  In my case, my surgery was done laparoscopically and it was not bad at all.  The recovery was fast.  I hope they can do it that way for you.  After the hysterectomy, I had to switch to aromasin which I hate, but overall I do feel better because I didn't realize how bad those cysts were making me feel.  I hate that this disease makes us have to become fortune tellers looking into our future health issues.  Do I get rid of my ovaries and maybe do damage to my heart later? Do I take the aromasin and hope my bones don't become brittle?  What's a woman to do?  Well, right now at this moment I fear breast cancer the most and because I know estrogen is my enemy removing my ovaries made sense to me and my doctors.  It is a very hard decision that you should ask many, many questions about.  No matter what though, I hope removing that fibroid makes you feel much better.  Good luck with your decision and your future surgery.  You'll do great!!

Hugs,

Ginny

I just want to echo what Traci has said regarding the pros and cons of keeping/removing your ovaries.  They are a natural protection for your heart.  Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women.  Ovarian cancer risk is much smaller risk (if you do not have a brca mutation).  This is not an easy decision.  It must be thorougly discussed with your doctor based on your individual circumstances.

Best of luck with your decision,

Cathy

cathyp said:

I just want to echo what

I just want to echo what Traci has said regarding the pros and cons of keeping/removing your ovaries.  They are a natural protection for your heart.  Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women.  Ovarian cancer risk is much smaller risk (if you do not have a brca mutation).  This is not an easy decision.  It must be thorougly discussed with your doctor based on your individual circumstances.

Best of luck with your decision,

Cathy

I'm also echoing what Traci and Cathy have written.  Your ovaries do a lot for your body.

Good luck, Rose

hope4thebest said:

procedure scheduled

It is so nice to have all of your opinions on this.  Especially since I haven't really discussed my options with the Dr in detail, yet.  I have pre-op appt next week and the hysteroscopy is scheduled on 3/5.  I found out that the fybroid, or polyp, is imbedded in the muscle of my uterus.  They will just go in to biopsy it on 3/5, cannot remove.  Am I micromanaging by thinking the Dr should do more instead of just looking and biopsy? I am not going to have children so they can remove my uterus if that would stop the bleeding.  I am grateful for healthcare but recently have been through too much of it.  It doesn't seem like these departments overlap much.  I also will see the oncologist Fri, so I am hoping he can pull this together and help me understand.

At least I am much calmer this week, used to the idea that it is there and most likely it is not any more cancer.  So I am not so nervous, which is great.

 

Thank you,

Annie

We'll get the pink bus out for ou Annie on March 5th!  I am glad your doctor is doing the biopsy.  Ask your doctor all of your questions and let us know what he says. 

Hang in there!

Hugs, Debby

hope4thebest said:

thank you,

Well, It has been a long month, but Mrch 5 is right around the corner and I am ready!  I met my new Dr, and he will try to remove the fibroid.  The first Dr was not sure about this option.  I will let you ladies know how it goes.

Thank you pink bus,

Annie

Thinking of you Annie and hoping your surgery went well and that you are feeling alright.  Post any update when you are feeling like it.

Hugs, Debby

hope4thebest said:

Mission Accomplished

Hi, Thanks for your support!  This board has helped me so much!  I am feeling huge relief!!  So, my new DR, the OBGYN went in and did a hysteroscopy last Tues.  They found a big fibroid and got it out surgically.  It came back from the lab, it is non-cancerous.  Yipee!  

Still dealing with low iron.  Had residual bleeding and then got my period this week, so it was another big strain on the body.  I fainted this morning, shocking.  So, had to go get the CBC bloodcount and am reminded that recovery does not happen overnight.  The clinic is monitoring me closely, and I hear that it will take a couple of months to get my levels back up.  So, I welcome any advice, otherwise I will continue taking iron supplements and lots of beans, lentils, etc. 

I feel good that I took charge of my health.  Thank you for preparing me for whatever may come my way. 

Annie

Love your picture!  Good for you, taking charge the way you did.  May it be smooth sailing now.  Linda