Ovary metastasis risk

markatger
markatger Member Posts: 314
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all,

Well I'm posting about my ovaries again...I have had radiation which may or may not have fried my ovaries, putting me possibly into early menopause at age 34. I had an appt with rectal surgeon last week. I was asking whether there is any benefit to getting a hysterectomy at the same time of rectal surgery to reduce risk of metstasis. His reply was that he didn't want to remove the uterus, but that removing the ovaries would be an easy procedure. He made it sound like there is a chance of spread to my ovaries, but that it was not from local spread from the rectal tumor but from blood and lymph pathways.

I'm trying to decide whether to have my ovaries removed. I do already have a 3 cm liver metastasis (resectable as of now believe it or not) which of course if my biggest concern.

Any input appreciated. I'm trying to weigh the risk of metastasis and the fact that my ovaries are likely fried anyways against certain menopause and HRT.

Maria

Comments

  • CAlba
    CAlba Member Posts: 4
    #2
    Have you already had surgery on your liver? If i were you, I would have my ovaries removed. Do you have any children? Please take care and remember we're all in this together.
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #3
    My surgeon removed one ovary. I left it up to the surgeon. If he had any inclination of any possible abnormality in my reproductive organs, he would remove them. My surgeon told me, he didn't want to remove anything that looked normal because I needed to maintain as much as possible of my original anatomy. So much of my anatomy was removed/rebuilt that I agreed.

    Talk to your surgeon about doing an ovary exam while in there and letting him decide if it looks suspicious. They will have you open up anyhow, it is easy to take a look. They will be the best judges.

    Ask the surgeons what they think.

    Good luck!! jana
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #4
    Hi Maria.

    Sorry you have to be dealing with this.

    I am 43 ( 42 at diagnosis ). Stage 3 rectal CA. I, too had the 6 week chemoradiation.

    I definately went into menopause during this.

    I have 3 children and figured, that I was finished having children. Of course, this made my decision to remove my tubes and ovaries a bit easier than you.

    My recal surgeon did the procedure at the time of the CA surgery.

    I figured this - if there was any chance of the cancer spreading to my ovaries, remove them. I had no use for them now anyway due to the radiation.

    My surgery was in June of 2004. I still suffer from hot flashes and night sweats, not to mention a lovely weight gain!!

    I wouldn't have done it any differently. I don't / haven't used HRT.

    I think you need to talk with your doctor. Weigh the pros and cons. Is there a way to test your ovaries to see if they are producing any eggs?

    Best to you.

    Barb
  • markatger
    markatger Member Posts: 314
    #5
    Extremely useful info....that makes a lot of sense to possibly leave it up to the surgeons. And it is good to feel like I am not the only one who has worried about this and possibly having ovaries removed.

    Thank you : )
    Maria
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #6
    markatger said:

    Extremely useful info....that makes a lot of sense to possibly leave it up to the surgeons. And it is good to feel like I am not the only one who has worried about this and possibly having ovaries removed.

    Thank you : )
    Maria

    Hiya gals, just a word here from thongman. I think us guys thought we had a difficult time but reading these last 2 topics there is clearly extra thought needed for you all. I just wanted to tell all you gals that Jen and I are thinking of you all, particularly those of you who have difficult decisions to make and have not yet been blessed with children.
    Our hearts go out to you, love and huggs, Ross n Jen

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