alternatives to hysterectomy - borderline ovca

[lionheartrust]

in 2007 I had serous-mucinous borderline ovarian cancer mass removed. adhesions to bowel. no implants. f/u now every 6 mos. w/transvaginal u/s and abdominal u/s.  brac1 and 2 are negative. no sx.  i am 50 in in menopause. My prior gynonc was ok to watch and monitor-he moved out of state.  My new gynonc wants to do hysterectomy.  WIth the low recurrence rate of this type, are there any alternatives to hysterectomy? It's not the surgery I am afraid of - its the shortened vaginal canal, the possible nerve damage, possibility of culdoplasty, possibiliy of increased monepausal sx.  If cont'd to do u/s every 6 mos. should the possibility of CA recur, wouldnt it be caught in an early stage?  My Dr. uses u/s and not Cat scans...are there any benefit to ct scans instead?  I am more scared of hysterectomy than of recurrence - any thoughts on watch and wait alternative? Thanks much!

[marti441]

I see the top gyn/onc doc in the country at Duke and he recommended a hysterectomy after my diagnosis with bova. I did not have implants, either. You should be monitored via CA125 every 6 months. I do not have ultrasounds or CT scans done, just the CA125 and physical exam.

Don't miss my cervix at all. Menopause lasted about two weeks after hysterectomy and I was done with it. I have had big problems with adhesions - that would be my biggest concern. If you can have a vaginal hysterectomy and not be cut open you'd have less chance of forming adhesions.

[nyc lady]

I was stage 1A....had 2 surgeries....the first one in 2000 when they discovered the cancer....they removed my right tube and ovary....in 2004, they removed my uterus and left ovary and tube...I still have my cervix.  I asked to keep it, for a few reasons....and my gyn/oncologist said I never had a bad pap, so it was not a problem.  To be honest...never heard of any connection between ovarian and cervical.  Ovarian, breast and colon, yes.  

Remember, sex for us, as females in many ways is "emotional"...more so than physical....soooo, if there is vaginal dryness, etc, there are creams and lotions...and hey, can be added to spice up anyone's sex life and make it fun!!!!!

Your health has to come first!!!!

Remember, although the gyn/oncologist is the expert, you should have a say in what is happening to your body!!!

Pam

[lionheartrust]

Thanks for your input and time!   No other gynonc local...it's not that mine won't do every 6 mos transvag u/s it's just he'd be happier w hysterectomy, huh!  He pushed for hyster until my brac 1 and 2 came back negative....now more likely to just monitor me...I just don't see the benefit at this time, though I feel selfish.  Yes, I tried to talk him into letting cervix in....says 'embryonic cells from ovca in cervix and risks are rising for cervical ca...Frankly I think it's a more dificult surgery to have him leave cervix in, but what do I know...Did you have any ovca or hyster for another reason?  I am surprised that many gynonc would have dismissed me after years out - doesnt borderline tend to come back after the 5 ear mark like 5-10 yrs? I though I remember reading that when first diagnosed.  Thanks for the boyfriend input - seems the only thing i can control these days is sex  and don't want my hubbie and Me to experience less than now hehe

[nyc lady]

After a while most doctors, if they can, will switch to Transvaginals, CT Scans give off radiation and too much of that is no good.

It has been since 2007, there are many GYN/Oncologists that would have "dismissed" you at a patient.  

Can you go for a 2nd opinion????  Are there other GYN/Oncologists in the area?  

You can keep your cervix, so that would not result in a shortened vaginal canal...I had the same fears as you, and I remember after my surgery asking my boyfriend if it felt any different....it did not!!!!!

I can't say that I disagree with you, is the surgery necessary now????