Decision to make on hysterectomy

I'm a 35 year old breast cancer survivor. I have suffered with ovarian cysts that rupture for many years, I was always put on the pill to avoid this. Of course since cancer I can no longer take hormones, including the pill. Been having a terrible time each cycle, the pain was so bad the last time that I was vomiting. So long story short, it's been suggested to me to have my ovaries removed or get the a hysterectomy. I have lots of questions and concerns, especially with being 35. Anybody out there with a similiar story? Any advice? Thanks!

Hi Kika

Welcome to HysterSisters. I don't really have anything to offer you in the way of advice, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who will be of help.

I'll send you some cyber s

Best wishes!

Thank you!

I'm not in the medical profession, but following my hysterectomy, I did lots and lots of research regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I seriously considered Tri-Est, which is a bio-identical cream prepared by a Compounding Pharmacy. Its primary ingredient is estriole which is the "good estrogen" - the estrogen that's thought to have protective effects against breast cancer. It's the estrogen that's dominant in pregnant women. I read articles mentioning it as an option for women for whom "regular HRT" was contra-indicated.

You may want to research Tri-Est on this website and on the Web, then ask your doctor if it could be right for you, as a breast cancer survivor, following a hysterectomy.

Before my hysterectomy, I too vomited during my cycles. (Extensive diarrhea too.) As my fibroids worsened, the vomiting ceased and the menorrhagia (hemorrhaging) began. Not much fun.

You sound like a courageous lady. I hope you can find a solution to your problem.

Laura
4/10/02 - breast biopsy (removal of non-malignant duct ectasia)
8/1/02 - TAH/BSO (on an emergency basis - fibroids, menorrhagia, severe anemia)
2/3/03 - bilateral inguinal hernia repairs
Premarin .625

Thank you for the info, I will definately look into it. It's good to know of any alternatives out there. Being that I'm not suppose to take any hormones, the idea of dealing with the possible side effects with menopause makes me nervous.

Welcome to Hyster Sisters, Kika,

I'm so very sorry that you are in so much pain, but glad that you found Hyster Sisters and posted. We have several members who are breast cancer survivors, and if you do a search (using our search link at the top right), for breast cancer I believe you will find several threads.

Here's a link to a thread that may help: https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...=breast+cancer

Since you are still researching whether a hyst is right for you at this time, I moved your post here, into our Options and Alternatives Forum.

We have another forum for members who aren't able to take HRT - it's called the No-Hormone Desert Oasis, and can be found here:
https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/for...?s=&forumid=34

Please keep on reading and researching, and come back to ask as many questions as you want. We'll do our best to help.

's

Karen

Hi Kika,
I had my Hyst 3 years ago, 12 weeks later my Right Ovary removed..my lone left Ovary was found to be non-functioning, the blood supply had been altered. Several weeks later I found out I had a blood-clotting disorder & had to stop all HRT I have found lots of good info on dealing with Surgical Menopause w/o Hormone replacement. The site ((Karen)) gave you is wonderful, it's filled with women going thru the same thing. Here are some other links that have some good info as well as some on a Hysterectomy:

Understanding Hysterectomy-Dr. Susan Tannenbaum:
http://www.uhmc.com/tgynst02.htm
http://www.ahcpr.gov/research/hysterec.htm
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/hysterectomy/index.htm

Alternative Medicine Home Page:
http://www.pitt.edu/~cbw/internet.html

Herbs of Special Interest to Women:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/406683

Managing menopause without hormones: http://www.allwise.com/topic/may98.html

Natural versus Surgically-Induced Menopause:
http://www.wdxcyber.com/nmood17.htm

Early Menopause:
http://www.earlymenopause.com/

Should I Keep My Ovaries?
http://drn4u.com/keepovaries.htm
http://www.drmirkin.com/women/W126.htm

Good Luck ((Kika)) Pls keep us posted...(((hugs)))

I'm having a problem with some of these links. Anyone else?
Thanks,
NB
New Studies Lead to a Better Understanding of PMS: http://www.always.com/straight_talk/resources/pms.htm
Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries - ... after hysterectomy:
http://www.library.uthscsa.edu/ms2/...2520Ovaries.doc

Sheri,

Thanks so much for the info. These sites are very helpful.

Hi nellybly,

I couldn't get to the PMS link either, but I did back up to the site's home page and entered PMS in their search engine and it brought up a page with many links:

http://www.always.com/en_us/pages/co...ay=10&btype=IE

I did the same with the other link and got the following page:

http://briscoe.uthscsa.edu/search/w?...tube+AND+ovar*

I hope this helps.

's

Karen