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I am seriously thinking of prophylatic removal of ovaries - would like your thoughts
Hi, Dr. Goodman - I am 90% sure that I am going to go through with getting my ovaries removed. My dr has left the decision up to me I just have to let her know what I have decided. I want to know if my rationale is basically irrational, OR if it truly is o.k. based on what I have experienced. I work in the field of cancer, so I probably am much more sensitive and fearful to the possibilities of cancer.
Background: I have NOT been diagnosed with OC. Far from it. But I do have symptoms and have had symptoms since October of last year. I am 44 years old, pre-menopausal, have had all of the children that i want to have. I have had multiple T/V ultrasounds, CT scans, and an exploratory surgery 4 months ago that showed absolutely nothing. I have had, however, CA-125 tests that are rising. My first was 'normal' at 32, and the second was up to 46 less than four months later, all with continued symptoms. I am terrified of OC.
Questions:
1. Am I crazy for wanting to go forward with this surgery based on my work-up to date and ongoing symptoms?
2. I am assuming that it is possible with an increasing CA-125 and ongoing symptoms, that OC cannot be ruled out completely even with other normal tests, including exploratory surgery. If that is the case, would I be putting myself at risk by waiting to have the surgery in 2-3 months vs. sooner (i.e., if something was developing, how much more could it develop in 2 or 3 months)?
3. If I get the ovaries removed, will they be able to detect at that point whether or not there was any cancer that was otherwise undetected? Assuming there is a no mass......no mass = no cancer from what some of those on the member forums have explained to me
Thank you for any conversation/input that can help me make this difficult decision. I do understand the 'cons' of having the ovaries removed - early menopause, increased other risks), I just am having trouble making that last 10% commitment to have this surgery.
Background: I have NOT been diagnosed with OC. Far from it. But I do have symptoms and have had symptoms since October of last year. I am 44 years old, pre-menopausal, have had all of the children that i want to have. I have had multiple T/V ultrasounds, CT scans, and an exploratory surgery 4 months ago that showed absolutely nothing. I have had, however, CA-125 tests that are rising. My first was 'normal' at 32, and the second was up to 46 less than four months later, all with continued symptoms. I am terrified of OC.
Questions:
1. Am I crazy for wanting to go forward with this surgery based on my work-up to date and ongoing symptoms?
2. I am assuming that it is possible with an increasing CA-125 and ongoing symptoms, that OC cannot be ruled out completely even with other normal tests, including exploratory surgery. If that is the case, would I be putting myself at risk by waiting to have the surgery in 2-3 months vs. sooner (i.e., if something was developing, how much more could it develop in 2 or 3 months)?
3. If I get the ovaries removed, will they be able to detect at that point whether or not there was any cancer that was otherwise undetected? Assuming there is a no mass......no mass = no cancer from what some of those on the member forums have explained to me
Thank you for any conversation/input that can help me make this difficult decision. I do understand the 'cons' of having the ovaries removed - early menopause, increased other risks), I just am having trouble making that last 10% commitment to have this surgery.
Thank you, Dr. Goodman.......................I am getting my anxiety under control and have come to the realization that I am not dealing with OC. Based on discussions with my doctor, I am NOT going through with the oophrectomy at this time. I think I have let irrational thinking get the best of me and have no reason to think at this time that I have ovarian cancer. Thank you for posting the ACOG information...................it helps me understand my situation and mirrors what my own doctor is telling me (I have never seen the ACOG info., but seeing it helps me better understand my situation and risks). Thank you for taking time to help so many of us on this forum!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there
please see my previous post.
I defer to your doctor for the details of discussions and recommendations for whether prophylactic BSO is beneficial for you.
best wishes
please see my previous post.
I defer to your doctor for the details of discussions and recommendations for whether prophylactic BSO is beneficial for you.
best wishes
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