Wow, what a difficult decision for you to have to make. You know, you'll probably still have to be followed up even with the hysterectomy. I guess it would alleivate some of the worry for you though. I am 27yrs old and had a hysterectomy last year at 26. It was not by choice, but rather because I had stage 3c ovarian cancer. Having to go through surgical menopause has not been easy, to say the least. Hormone replacement therapy is not black and white for everybody - it can take years to figure out what combination of what pills works for you. I'm still trying to come up with the right dosage and while I'm waiting, I'm dealing with mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, bladder weakness - the list goes on and on. Opting for a hysterectomy also puts you at an increased risk for osteoperosis (among many other things) - it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Have you talked to your doctor about this? I'd be curious to see what their opinion was, especially if they thought that having a hysterectomy would reduce your chances of a recurrence. If you have an aggressive type of cancer, I would strongly consider it - aside from that, it's a very personal decision. I hope you are able to get all the answers you're looking for in the meantime.
Becky
By all practical purposes, I have to OBs. Both would honor the decision, but one truly understands it because oc runs in the family. My oncologist and I haven't discussed it yet. I should note that the 3 people I've come to know the best through my treatment are all back in treatment, fighting for their lives again after having been given a clean check up. It's all different types of cancer, but a reminder to me that nobody completely understands how this monster works.
Well I had to have a hysterectomy this summer due to stage 2b ov cancer. I didnt have a choice, it was made for me. I am 38 and was trying to have a second child when all this happened. AFter going thru chemo and everything I realize it was worth it to go thru the hyst and aleviate more of a chance of it coming back. I am just going to cherish the one child I do have. Good luck in your decision.
Chickapee what where your symptoms when they found your cancer? I too am 38 and scheduled for a laproscopy/hysterectomy at the end of the month. My ovary is 3 times it's size with solid components. Just wondering. My dr says "if it is cancer" we have caught it early.
Thanks.
I had been having pelvic pain for a year, some bloating, stomach indigestion, urinary urgency (sometimes) and a pain under my right rib. Good luck to you...early detection is the only way to beat this beast!