Do I need a GYN now? Any thoughts...I know there isn't a clear answer but I would like to hear from

CJHCJ
CJHCJ Member Posts: 8
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

Hi Everyone,

Even with clear post surgery pathology I know that they might still want to keep a closer check on me for something to show up but not with the same sense of urgency but after a hysterectomy do I still need a GYN?  

Also pre-surgery at 51 I was right on the edge of menopause...now of course my body has experienced it...no more ovaries.  Before surgery I was having night sweats and what I considered mild hot flashes but not too disruptive now it is pretty much the same but maybe a little milder.  I am not sure I would want to even consider HRT.  What thoughts do you all have on this?

Connie

Comments

  • Kaleena
    Kaleena Member Posts: 2,088 Member
    #2
    Connie:
    Are you asking

    Connie:

    Are you asking whether you still need a gyne or still need a gyne/onc.    You will definitely still need a regular gynecologist.   Even with my total hysterectomy, I still get PAPs.   Of course, if at any time you feel something more is going on, I would seek out the gyne/onc 

    With regard to hormones, because of my type of cancer, I am not allowed to take hormones.   I was 45 at the time of my hysterectomy.  I did get early morning sweats and if I got stressed, but most of the time it was bearable.

    I hope this helps,

     

    Kathy

  • CJHCJ
    CJHCJ Member Posts: 8
    #3
    Kaleena said:

    Connie:
    Are you asking

    Connie:

    Are you asking whether you still need a gyne or still need a gyne/onc.    You will definitely still need a regular gynecologist.   Even with my total hysterectomy, I still get PAPs.   Of course, if at any time you feel something more is going on, I would seek out the gyne/onc 

    With regard to hormones, because of my type of cancer, I am not allowed to take hormones.   I was 45 at the time of my hysterectomy.  I did get early morning sweats and if I got stressed, but most of the time it was bearable.

    I hope this helps,

     

    Kathy

    It does help thank you.

    Hi Kathy,

    It does help.  I am 51 and started to get some hot flashes before the surgery.  In the last week I have had them more frequently and hotter but nothing that seems like it is going to be a big issue.  Oddly my sweats and or hot flashes seem to be a night time thing.  I feel like I was on the edge of menopause and that I would have been here naturally very soon so I would like to try and skip HRT.

    Thanks,

    Connie 

     

  • cleo
    cleo Member Posts: 144
    #4
    HRT

    I was on HRT for many years. Asked questions as to the cancer risk and was assured I was more likely to get hit by a bus! I continued with HRT and with  no family history of cancer I do debate the sense of my decision.      My advice, steer clear.

  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #5
    cleo said:

    HRT

    I was on HRT for many years. Asked questions as to the cancer risk and was assured I was more likely to get hit by a bus! I continued with HRT and with  no family history of cancer I do debate the sense of my decision.      My advice, steer clear.

    My 2 cents

    My friends who have had hysterectomies and did NOT have cancer, no longer have pelvic exams.  I have also heard that gynecologic exams are important because no one else looks there - for anything.  I would follow the advice of your surgeon.  At 51 and being menopausal, there are all kinds of changes and you may need to discuss them with someone.   I'm sure you would show up in someone's office if you had bleeding or discharge, right?

    About HRT - I'm afraid I agree with Cleo.  I was on HRT back in the day just because (i.e., they gave it to anyone).  I took it for around 5 years, from age 49-54.  A gynecologist asked why on earth I was on it and said to stop it.   I then had periods until I was 57!  I was diagnosed with both breast and endometrial cancers at age 62.  No family history.  I will always wonder . . . and remember, it's not just gyn cancers that are of concern when using HRT, there's also breast cancer.  Again, something to discuss with a gynecologist.

    Suzanne

  • pinky104
    pinky104 Member Posts: 574 Member
    #6
    CJHCJ

    I agree that you should keep your GYN.  I had check-ups every 3 months at first, then every 6 months, and now I'm down to yearly.  The first years after surgery are when things are most likely to show up if your cancer comes back somewhere else.  

    As far as hot flashes are concerned, I had none from my menopause at 51 to about age 59.  At 59, I started getting night sweats, which got worse and worse. I really think they were caused by the cancer.  I started bleeding two weeks after being put on an estrogen cream (I had a prolapsed bladder and was using a pessary to keep it in place and the estrogen cream helped with the irritation from the pessary).  I was stage IVB at diagnosis, and I probably wouldn't have survived if I didn't start bleeding at that point, which led me to have an ultrasound and then surgery and chemo.  I would definitely avoid the hormone replacements if I were you.  They're just not safe.  Why take the risk? 

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