Total or oophorectomy!

[whitney112470]

I was diagnosed with stage 2  er+/pr+ breast cancer with lymph node involvement in November of 2011.  I am 43 years of age.  I had a mastectomy with lymph node dissection.  I received 4 treatments of Adriamycin and Cytoxan, then 12 treatments of Taxol, followed by 33 radiation treatments.  I am currently taking Anastrozole.  My ob/gyn wondered why they didn't want me to have a total or partial hysterectomy.  Should I do this.  Am I at high risk for cancer of the ovaries or uterus?

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi again,

What I intended to say in my first relpy was that:"My understanding is that oopherectomy is MOST COMMONLY recommended for  women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 or related gene mutations.

A study reported on earlier this year stated: "Current guidelines recommend risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) for BRCA mutation carriers who have completed childbearing. BSO not only profoundly reduces mutation carriers' risk for gynecologic malignancy, but also substantially lowers future breast cancer risk."

Since you are BRCA negative and have no family history of BC, such steps may not be necessary in your case...

I'd be interested in hearing what your oncologist advises, if you'd be will to come back and let me know.

Thanks,
bb

[bluebutterfly2222]

You  are  entirely welcome.

Good to know you are BRCA negative, because when women are dx with BC at a young age, as youwere, it manytimes is related to a genetic predisposition.

It's also a postive factor that your cancer was ER+/PR+, since the hormal treatments (such as Anastrozole) can significantly reduce the risk for recurrence.

I'm glad that you are going to discuss the issue with your oncologist. If your oncologist and OB-GYN can get on the same page, it will help you to feel more comfortable re any decision you make about preventative surgery.

All the best,
bb.

[whitney112470]

Hi bluebutterfly2222!  I was actually tested for BRCA and was negative!  I am the first in my family to have BC, so still trying to understand it all.  I didn't really have a chance to research my disease while going through treatment! Thank you for your response!  I will consult my oncologist and relay the information that my GYN told me!  Thanks again!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

Whether you would benefit from oopherectomy would be a good issue to discuss with your oncologist.

My understanding is that oopherectomy is recommended for  women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 or related gene mutations, because they have increased risk for ovarian as well as breast cancer.

Have any first degree relatives had BC and or the genetic testing? Has your oncologist discussed whether it might be a good idea for you to  consider genetic testing?

I hope you are doing well 2 years post-dx, and that you continue to do so!

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly