oophorectomy - to be or not to be?

Hi Cubby,
I too wrestled with having my ovaries out but in the end they were removed during surgery. I'm 52 next Tuesday, already gone through menopause and didn't want to have to go through surgery and recovery again later in life. It would be a longer recovery period and possibly without my DH to help (he's 17 yrs older than me). After everything I've read and heard, ovarian cancer is a death sentence and not hereditary. Keep praying and when you are at peace with your decision, you will know that it is right for you and stick to it.
Sassy Lassy

Just to clairfy something in the above post, Sally Lassy, wrote:
"After everything I've read and heard, ovarian cancer is a death sentence and not hereditary."

The reason I just had my LAVH/BSO was because my sister has ovarian cancer...it indeed CAN be hereditary. Had my risk factor not been elevated due to my family history (only my sister) I had no other need to have surgery...I opted for it after long deliberation merely as a prophylactic measure.
Additionally, I think we should be MINDFUL of others when you say ovarian cancer is a "death sentence"...yes, the mortality rate is high, however, you have many survivors reading these posts and I feel comments such as those are highly inappropriate...without HOPE, these women have NOTHING!
:burning:

I realize you had no malice with posting your inaccurate comment. I just felt the need to clarify the matter.
I hope everyone understands!

's
Heni

Oooooops ...I meant to say Sassy Lassy.

Sorry.

This post is for Sassy Lassy and 3 Sisters:
My is with 3 Sisters on this one. My mom has ovca and I'd prefer to NOT think of it as a "death sentence". In fact, please read this post at:
https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...54#post1438454

Margyjane posts:
I did have a chance to ask a "general" question of the doctor today. I asked him, "why is it when you look up information on the internet, it lists ovca around the top for deaths in women". He was so kind and told me that the information we research and read on the internet is outdated. Today ovarian cancer is very easily treatable, the reason is they keep coming out with new drugs.

Rosalie posts:
I also wanted to tell you that I strongly agree with what your moms doctor said about the stats on the internet and what we read. When the right doctors are used, ovarian cancer is now being treated as a chronic disease like arthritis. There may never be a cure but there will always be new drugs available. That is the first thing my oncologist told me 31/2 years ago.

There are many survivors or those on their way to recovery & others who have family members recovering from this illness.

To Peggy:
I had my ovaries removed prophylactically. I am 45 yrs old and had not yet gone through menopause. But the peace of mind from having them removed is wonderful.
I wanted to wait until age 50, but the hemorrhaging was happening, so I said take it all!
If you are 61, and you want yours out - find a supportive doctor and have them out! (This can be done laparoscopically I believe.)

Good luck!
Shoozie

Hi Shoozie, I have been thinking and thinking about how stupid I was not to insist that he take them out, this was my first surgery ever, other than having my five children. In my early 30's a doctor diagnosed me with PID, then I was diagnosed with adeno hyperplasia, dr. then put me on pill for three months, got pregnant, and he said it was cleared up.

But right now, I am just hoping that he will listen to me. I am going to call him next week and go see him. Both myself and my husband. DH wants whatever I feel comfortable with and where I have to go back in on Sept. 7th, for pelvic floor reconst. why he cannot do it then. I just get so nervous talking with doctors and they seem to have a way of twisting things around that sound right. I am just so upset, I really want my ovaries taken out.

Shoozie, your posts are what really convinced me. I have been doing a lot of research since I have been home and I agree most of those articles are only based on a small percentage. Thanks for the info.

Peggy