Jaredsmom

Hi awb~ thanks for your response.  I have finally made the decision to have surgery to remove just the right ovary/fallopian tube next Friday.  I will undergo frequent monitoring of my left ovary and uterus via ultrasound and hope for the best.  I'm just not ready to deal with full blown menopause!!  As my MD said, I might be re-visiting this six months from now, but~today~ I'm comfortable with my decision. I truly appreciate all of the feedback I have received~ you are all an amazing group of women.  Laura

I am currently in the decision making process re: whether to have a total hysterectomy or just remove my right ovary. I have been on Tamoxifen since 2/07 and have developed several cysts, however, there is significant concern re: the one on the right ovary which hasn't changed and is classified as complex.  After reading Tender's post, I'm feeling very anxious. I've been to my Dr. at Dana Farber and he said he'd be comfortable with me having either procedure, although it's basically what I can tolerate at this point as I will have to be monitored quite frequently if I opt for removal of the one ovary only.  My oncologist in my area is adimantly opposed to total hysterectomy. My gynecologist and gynecological oncologist I was referred to both recommend total hysterectomy.  My husband is adimantly opposed as well due to the fact that I am 44 and he is concerned with quality of life issues.  I'm finding this whole situation has me more rattled than the breast cancer diagnosis last year.  I wish someone would tell me what to do and the docs would all agree. I'm a wreck. Laura

I forgot to say that I am 44 years old~ was diagnosed with Stage 1 bc last September~ underwent oncotyping with a score of 9- no chemo~ 30 rads.

I am currently going through the process of deciding on treatment for a complex cyst on my right ovary. I have been on Tamoxifen since Feb. 06. My gyn has been following the cyst(s) via ultrasound since March. She is STRONGLY recommending that I have at least the right ovary removed. My oncologist is adamantly opposed. I am going to see Dr. Burstein at Dana Farber on 10/1 who I saw for consultation last November to help sort through the options. It's so scary. My gyn was very honest with me the other day and said there is no way to know for sure that my ovary isn't cancerous without removing it. The Ca125 and the ultrasounds can provide false information. So...a part of me is ready to undergo a complete hysterectomy to reduce my worry. It would be so much easier if there was a specific protocol and all doctors followed it. I'm more freaked out with all of this than I was last year with the breast cancer diagnosis.

Hi Brenda~ My lesion showed up out of nowhere but I still passed it off as a bruise or leftover mark from the radiation/biopsies I underwent.  My hope is that women will take more careful note of their skin before all the treatment begins so that they will notice any changes. I NEVER in a million years would have thought that the tiny mark I had could be malignant melanoma.  By the way~ I saw my radiation oncologist on Friday who informed me that there is no way that the treatment could have caused the melanoma. He said "MAYBE~ 10-20 years after the treatment was completed but not this soon".  My oncologist and gyn both said they've seen this happen to women before soon after finishing radiation~ Who do we believe????   Take Care~ Laura