WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for July, 2003: Re: Hysterectomy

Re: Hysterectomy - remove ovaries also?

From: Abby (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 14 Jul 2003 08:07:39 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Joyce: "Re: Hysterectomy - remove ovaries also?"

At Sun, 13 Jul 2003, Joyce wrote: >
>You stated that removing an area of possible risk makes sense. I
>understand that, and wouldn't want you to get cancer or ?. But, I kept
>mine. I couldn't justify going through healing of surgery plus dealing
>with hormones. Trying to find one that works for you is not always
>easy. So I posed this question to myself[I have no family cancer
>history either]..."Should I remove breast due to risk of breast cancer?,
>Should I remove pancreas, appendix etc.,... due to risks of any of
>those being diseased?" This was the only way I could come to a
>conclusion. I had my hyster two years ago, ovaries are still
>functioning somewhat. But I was halfway thru menopause when I had the
>hyster. And yes, they do give small benefits even after stopping their
>main functions.
>http://www.hystersisters.com is a wonderful site and helped me thru everything.
>Wonderful bunch of gals who have been thru or are going thru it. You
>are welcome to write me too if you need hints or tips on what to expect,
>how to relieve the short lasting pain, etc.,... joyneau@hotmail.com
>God's Blessings. Whatever decision you make should be strictly for YOU.
>Good Luck. Joyce
>
>PS-Not a bit of it is silly! It is your body and you have a right to
>make the best decisions possible.

I also had a hysterectomy several years ago for fibroids when I was 43, but I decided to keep my ovaries when the standard practice was to remove them. I agree with Joyce's reasoning and I also considered the fact that overall the risk of getting ovarian cancer is not very high. The problem with this disease is that it is very difficult to diagnose it in the early stages when it's curable. (often there are no symptoms in the early stages, or the women thinks they just have indigestion , gas, etc). But, I accepted this risk because I did not want to go through sudden menopause and I didn't trust hormone replacement (this was before the NIH study came out!)

--
Abby

Next message: Meredith: "Cervical Cancer Procedures"
Previous message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "ovarian cysts and cancer risk?"
In reply to: Joyce: "Re: Hysterectomy - remove ovaries also?"

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