Hysterectomy to prevent cancer?

[whisperwolf]

Hello. Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage 1 DCIS of the left breast and had a lumpectomy. (Triple Negative). A  year later it returned and I had Stage 2a Invasive DCIS of the left breast and DCIS of the right breast (triple negative in the left breast and her positive in the right). I had a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. The gene test showed BRCA 1 Positive. Chemo put me into menopause for 9 months and I started having heavy, painful, irregular periods. I saw a Gyn and he suggests at least the removal of both ovaries and the tubes to help prevent ovarian cancer. He said that a full hysterectomy is not as necessary. But down the road, there is a chance of getting uterine or cervical cancer. I don't really want to have either surgery, but I refuse to go through chemo again. So now I don't know which surgery to have. The full hysterectomy or have just the tubes and ovaries removed? I have done some research and there are schools of thought leaning in both directions.

[old_before_my_time]

Hope your recovery is uneventful.

[whisperwolf]

Update: The doctor, myself and my husband decided I didn't need to have a full Hysterectomy. Two days ago I had my ovaries and tubes removed. He made three small incisions and I was able to come home that same day. I am doing pretty well. :)

Now my periods should stop and the risk of cancer has dropped a lot.
Since I had Triple negative cancer, the doctor said nothing with estrogen.
Thanks for your input. :)

[old_before_my_time]

I am sorry for your breast cancer, BRCA1+ diagnosis, and being faced with this decision of female organ removal. I had a hysterectomy with ovary removal and it has been a hellish ride. But my situation was much different than yours (a suspicious looking ovarian cyst that ended up being benign) and my organs never should have been removed. At least most of my hormone deficiency symptoms are relieved with estrogen. With your BC history, will you be able to take estrogen since your BC was triple negative?

But there is no treatment to "fix" the anatomical and skeletal effects of hysterectomy (uterus removal). Many women complain of bladder and bowel changes including incontinence or constipation. The risk of these changes tends to increase as the years progress since the bladder and bowel fall after hysterectomy. Adhesions (scar tissue) can further hamper bowel function even to the point of obstruction. The alignment of the spine, hips, and rib cage also change since the uterine ligaments are the pelvis' support structures. That is why the figure changes after hysterectomy and many women complain of back, hip, and rib cage pain as the years progress.

Sexual dysfunction is another risk of hysterectomy and/or ovary removal.

So do your research and weigh all the pros and cons. Good luck to you!