How Did You Choose Between Ovarian Suppression and Oophorectomy?

I was 38 when diagnosed, started with ovarian suppression. Decided that I’m going to be on letrezole for at least 10 years, so 48 by the time I’m finished and so close to natural menopause anyways. It just made sense to have my ovaries out vs having a shot every 3 months for 10 years.

I decided oophorectomy. One less thing to get cancer and I didn't want LUPRON. That medication isn't fun. I had it when I underwent IVF.

I asked for the surgical oncologist to take my ovaries and she said it was going to be way too hard on my body. I was confused because I had a DMX and then a month later had to go back for axillary lymph node dissection. I also have PCOS and get cysts so when I had my hysterectomy in 2019 I asked for them to be removed. I’m miserable with them. Will the tamoxifen stop the cysts?

I was on tamoxifen for 2 yrs and had terrible side effects but when I was diagnosed the second time with stage 4 I didn’t want to risk the cancer spreading there too and both my gyn/ and oncologist highly suggested the oophorectomy.

I've asked oncologist no less than 4 times about oophorectomy. He keeps saying that it's not a good option for me. .. I'm 46 de novo metastatic to bones and liver, pre menopausal... I'm getting gosserelin shots but I don't think it's adequately suppressing my estrogen because my tumor markers keep going up, and I still have no post menopausal symptoms and I have been getting the shots since June 2023. They are suppressing my period, but that seems to be all they're doing. He said he would not even consider doing an oophorectomy for me until we get to the point where I need chemotherapy... I don't understand this... I know that doctors are bound by the standard of care guidelines but still .. I think it's a very reasonable request.

Marcy, get a second opinion. Good physicians welcome patients asking for a second opinion.....

I was diagnosed de novo metastatic with bone Mets. My dr used radiation to treat the Mets that were causing my hips and back to have breaks. In the process of receiving the radiation my ovaries were irradiated and quit working. I had previously had a hysterectomy due to endometriosis but surgeon decided to leave the ovaries

This is such an important decision that many people in the HR+ HER2- community face, and it's completely understandable to want to hear from others who have been through this choice. The decision between ovarian suppression and oophorectomy often involves weighing factors like age, side effects, reversibility, and personal preferences alongside medical considerations with your healthcare team.