leaving ovaries

My mother died of ovarian cancer several years ago. I recently had a hysterectomy and my surgeon left my ovaries. I was upset with him but he explained that my gene testing did not show a mutation for ovarian cancer and that by removing my fallopian tubes my risk was very low. I am 48 and my mother was diagnosed at 50. Anyone able to relate or shed some light on this?

I'm sorry about your mom

I kept my ovaries too, but I wanted to keep them. I discussed it at length with my gynecologic oncologist and my regular oncologist (I had breast cancer two years ago). I don't have the BRCA mutation but I do have an anomaly on that gene. We just don't know if that predisposes me to ovarian cancer. There is some evidence now that ovarian cancer actually starts in the Fallopian tubes, so we removed those. The estrogen from your ovaries just protects you from so many other health problems. These are really difficult decisions to make.

48's still a bit young to be tossed into surgical menopause. Even after menopause, your ovaries produce low levels of hormones that protect your bones, heart and cognitive function.

The precautions your doctor is taking sound sensible to me. He's removing the Fallopian tubes, where ovarian cancer is believed to start, and he's tested your genes. If you haven't inherited genes from your mother that increase your chances of ovarian cancer, then her experience doesn't predict yours.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution to this problem. I think I would believe your doctor that your risk is very low as long as the Fallopian tubes were removed. I chose to keep my ovaries, too, although I don't have a family history of ovarian cancer, but there are no guarantees for anyone that the choice they make is the right one. All you can do is focus on your recovery in the immediate future and hope for the best that your ovaries stay healthy.

You are all so wonderful. Thanks for your feedback. I feel so much better about this and I know I need to stop worrying. Many good wishes to all of you.

Educate yourself on the warning signs, don't dwell on them thinking every ache is cancer, then do whatever it takes to heal yourself and go on with life. I am sure that is what your mother would want you to do.