Should I remove my ovaries to prevent cancer after breast cancer treatment?

Hi there. Do you have BRCA gene?

Hi, No I do not have BRCA gene. Any recommendations/tips?

Sorry. I don’t know much about that. It does sound like an aggressive way to treat ER positive breast cancer rather than just with medications/hormone blockers. Maybe based on the biology of your cancer this is why and trying to maximize hormone suppression.

Hi F, that is a very, very aggressive approach. Have you gotten a second opinion? My doctor gave me the choice of ovarian suppression with a quarterly injection, and I had asked her about removing the ovaries. She told me that we would try the injections before going to such an extreme.

Hi F. I think I misread your post. Your oncologist is recommending removal of your ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer or is it to treat your breast cancer?

Hi F.C, I was diagnosed with the same type of cancer. I have seen 2 oncologist and neither of them recommend this treatment for me. I’m worried about ovarian cancer as well. I would get a second opinion just to make sure you make the right decision for yourself. I did genetic testing as well, I was flagged for for the variant MLH1. I had a previous biopsy done on my uterus it said I had Adenomyosis . My surgeon wants me to heal from my reconstructive surgery, before further testing .

I had a similar diagnosis. Genetic testing showed no mutation. None of my doctors suggested removing ovaries. Chemo pretty much took care of my hormone levels (pushed me into menopause) but we will ne doing blood tests to confirm after I f8nish radiation and before I start my maintenance drugs. I would seek another opinion.

Nina how are your side effects with the quarterly injection?

Wendy it’s to prevent ovarian cancer.

Hi, F, the main side effects are headaches/fever for me. The fevers are usually in the 99-100 range, they randomly come and then go. If I have a headache, I'm almost sure a fever is on the way. I take Tylenol if the headache doesn't go away after a while. I'm also taking anastrazole, so the main side effects are hot flashes and joint pain. So far, all these side effects are tolerable.

This is such an important decision that deserves careful consideration with your medical team. Many people in this community have faced similar choices about preventive surgeries and the impact of treatment-induced menopause. The decision often involves weighing personal risk factors, family history, and quality of life considerations. It might be helpful to discuss the timing, potential benefits, and management strategies for menopause symptoms with both your oncologist and gynecologist to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best choice for your situation.