My uterus and ovaries come out Feb 8th. Scared

Hello.

I am new here. I have a hysterectomy and oophorectomy scheduled for Feb. 8th. I just feel sick about it all. It was recommended to have the surgery because of my breast cancer 3 years ago and the fact that tamoxifen is not good for me--believe me.

Anyways, I am more upset about this surgery than I was my mastectomy, believe it or not. I do not want to lose my female body parts. And I really do not look forward to menopause symptoms. I am scared about the surgery too. Which is weird for me because I am never worried about surgery; I have had my appendix out, my gallbladder out and my breast removed plus several D&C's.

It feels like once again I am putting my life on hold. I am trying to finish up my PhD degree in biochemistry. In the last 3 years, I have had to take over a year's leave of absence for my breast cancer, then a month off to visit my dying father, time off for several d&C's and now this. Will I ever finish? My supervisor says I am getting "too old" to look forward to a promising job too. I am 43. So I am bummed. Help!!

wallan

Hi there Wallan and welcome!

I'm sorry you're upset about the upcoming surgery. It isn't something we dream about when we were little, and now we are here for many different reasons. You've already been through so much, and have made it this far. Way to go! I'm sorry to hear about your father - I'm sure it meant a lot to him to have you near.

You've come to a good place for information, comfort and support. Someone has almost always had the very same question or been through a very similar situation. I've found no one better to offer support that compliments how our doctors help. It is normal to feel scared. You are not alone and have lot's of support here!

We are still sooo young! I think we're never too old for any promising job! There is great demand for talent in biochemistry, and the resulting research, practice and teaching it makes such a difference to the people who benefit from that talent. Any supervisor who tries to block growth with statements like "too old", might be just the nudge to look elsewhere to be more appreciated. (I'd encourage that part to wait.) Right now, this is all about you, strong health, and a bright future!

Thanks for your story of survival from breast cancer! You will get through this journey as well.

I agree with Bee&Butterfly ! You are never to *Old* for any promising job ! My HD is going to collage right now to get a promising job . And he is almost 50 . So I feel he had No right to say such a thing !

You have beaten the big C ! You will make it though this . It is alot to go though but you will feel so much better health wise after . After going though what you have over the years you ARE STRONGER then you think !

You will be in my prayers and thought`s ! Just remember you have to take care of yourself !! You are number 1 !!

I'm going to echo the comments from the other sisters! I'm a full professor at a university, and I can tell you that smart, capable, qualified women are always in demand in academics! Both in industry and in academia, I think your field has a great future.

I was 30 when I completed my PhD, and I didn't have my first faculty job until I was 32. That job was a nightmare, and I spent 4 years there before I could get a good job, one that I really wanted, or as your supervisor would say, a promising job. So, that put me at age 36, starting over, before I was in the kind of position I wanted.

And I have done great! I have a terrific position, lots of responsibility, very rewarding, and I've won both teaching awards and research awards from my professional society, and from the university where I work. I have a good number of publications, grant money, and a number of grad students over the years of whom I am very proud, not to mention the undergrad students that I've advised and seen go on to rewarding lives. Not too bad for a "late bloomer!"

Don't let ANYONE tell you that you're too old or that it can't be done!!

Feel free to PM me if you would like!