breast cancer and hysterectomy

[lindsjacjoe]

I am a 39 year old woman who had bilateral mastectomies in Sept/2002 for extensive dcis in rt breast.  I had no further treatment and did have implants placed in 3/03.  I have a history of problems with my periods including heavy bleeding and pain.  Endometriosis was diagnosed in 2004 by laproscopic surgery. My recent episode included a missed period in december and a prolonged period in January.  My current  gyn put me on a ten day course of hormone to stop my bleeding and so that I would shed my entire uterine lining (which I was told was 3 times the normal) at once following the hormone treatment.  I ended up on bed rest for 3 days before having a d and c to stop the bleeding which in my opinion was out of control.  My gyn is now recommending a total hysterectomy because of my history of breast cancer and period problems.  I really don't know what to do.  I am scared that I will contine to have heavy bleeding in the fiuture because it does seem to be getting worse. I don't know what other options there are for me because of my history of dcis.  I do know that my cancer was not tested for estrogen receptor so that question will remain unknown. I have always been told that my uterus was large and bulky.  There is also a family history of menstrual problems qith my mom have a hysterectomy at age 37 and both my older sisters suffering with my same symptoms. Any advice?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear lindsjacjoe:  In terms of the heavy uterine bleeding and the question of hysterectomy, this is more of a gynecologic question than one of breast cancer.  From a breast cancer perspective, we would not recommend the use of hormone therapy to manage the bleeding - even though the hormone receptor status us not known.