prophylactic ovary removal

[sovarycomplicated]

I'm hoping there might be someone here with experience of this.

I have a first degree relative who has had both breast and ovarian cancer, therefore I am considered high risk. Due to adoption no other relatives are known, so we only have that family history to go on, and possible breast cancer death of a paternal aunt. My relative has been tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and we are waiting for the results. However, the genetic counsellor has told me that even without a positive BRCA gene result, I would be considered for removal of both my ovaries.

I'm 40, have completed my family, but this would mean immediate menopause and all that comes with it. Risks of osteoporosis and heart disease increase, but these are manageable and screenable, unlike ovarian cancer. My risks of breast cancer would also reduce.

Has anyone been through this who can share their experience, particularly if you've made the decision without a great deal of knowledge about family history or don't have the BRCA gene but are considered high risk without it?

I'd also be really grateful to hear any experiences of sudden onset of menopause due to surgery.

[weebarra]

Watching this - I have the BRCA2 gene and have breast cancer atm. Will be having ovary removal myself in a year or so.

[sovarycomplicated]

Sorry to hear that weebarra and thanks for posting. I hope you are doing ok. It is my mum who is the close relative, and she had breast cancer at 58 and ovarian at 69. Due to this I think it's unlikely she has the gene. Do you mind if I ask how old you are? At 40 I'm reasoning it's not that long until menopause now... but I'm not too keen on the idea of memory loss, reduced libido, etc etc.

[weebarra]

I'm 36. I've kind of gone into early menopause because of the chemo anyway. The hot flushes are very dull. I have a friend who has had an oophrectomy and she was given testosterone cream for reduced libido which worked wonders.

[sovarycomplicated]

Well that sounds positive. DH is saying I can't really make a decision until genetic test results are back, but if negative I still have to decide anyway... if they are positive I have no qualms with going through with whatever is needed.
Hope the chemo isn't too bad for you. My mum is having six cycles of single dose at the moment and seems to be coping really well. But the chemo for ovarian isn't as nasty as breast cancer drugs.

[sovarycomplicated]

evening bump