[mez70]

Hi all, after much thought and souls searching I have made a huge decision.
On my maternal line there is a very STRONG incidence of reproductive cancers. My great grand mother we have been unable to confirm but my grandmother had Cancer and an emergency Hysterectomy, my mother and 4 other same generation lines all had emergency Hysyerectomies due to reproductive cancers. Collectively they have had Uterine, Ovarian, Cervical and even a very rare Endometrial form of Cancer (my mum). There is also a couple of incidences of cysts in the breasts (but that is a whole diff ball park)

Now due to the numbers and other reasons endometriosis is a strong common factor with all women and I too have endo I have made the decision to have a preventive Hysterectomy complete with the removal of ovaries. I am almost 41 and have felt for years that I have a ticking time bomb within me. I have had multiple surgeries to remove Endo over the years and feel i would rather do this now in my time and terms than wait until like all the woman before me it is an emergency situation.

So the point of my post is are there any others out there who have done this and did you meet objections with Dr's etc in wanting to have this done? Would you /have you been tested for the Ovarian/breast cancer gene and did that have any impact on your choices and lastly how was your recovery time being this was not an emergency as such and could be planned for and around?

Please no one tell me how it is not to be done lightly and it is major surgery for a maybe. I have gotten enough of that from a couple of friends. I know that. I also have such strong memories of when my mum was sick and went to hospital and didn't come home for a couple of months. The fear and memories I have from that time haunt me to this day and even my family (and even mums Dr who I saw for endo removal years ago) have been amazed at how much of an impact it did have. I was 7 and everyone thought I didn't remember much yeah right!!. I just want the ball to be in my court. i know I may never get cancer but there is a high chance I will so by getting rid of the site I feel I am doing the best thing for me and my kids.

[jupiter123]

I can't help in your situation but I just want to let you know that with your family history and your circumstances that I think you are making a very courageous choice by doing everything you can to avoid this type of cancer.

If I was in your shoes, I would make the same choice.

I saw what happened to my mother when she got sick, one day she left for the hospital only she never came home. My family think I was too young to remember (I was 5 or 6), but some memories just stick.

I would hate for my daughter to go through what I did and for that reason alone I would make every effort available to me, including major surgery to avoid that situation.

Good Luck

[rosiec]

Hi Mez,

Im not in your situation, however a girlfriend of mine lost her aunt, her mother, her sister and her grandmother to cancer and she too has had cancer scares. She has taken the precautionary measures you are wishing to take. Her care provider didn't bat an eyelid when she requested the surgery.

Yes it is major surgery, and yes it is extreme. However, like her, I imagine this is not a decision you have made lightly. I hope you find a supportive caregiver and that things go well for you.

Take care and good luck.

[mez70]

Thanks Jupiter, Sorry for your loss.

It is hard to talk about such memories when all around you think "you were too young" I remember having a chat with mums Gyne a few years back and he said listening to me, what I remember and the fact that 30 plus years later I could draw a map to the 2 rooms and beds mum was in was educational to him as he said at the time how it was really helpful and informative to hear me express it all as it was something he had not considered as such.

I have had a couple of less than helpful replies from friends when asking who their Gynes were. My usual gyne is a truly wonderful person without who none of my kids would be here but he operates 30 plus mins from home so it would be hard for DH to bring them and see me everyday where I have a wonderful private hosp 5 mins away so i am wanting to go there so the kids will be able to visit as such.

I guess I am being selfish in the disruption this will cause thee family for a few weeks but I feel it will be the greatest gift I can give them if it eliminates a risk.

[Charlotte84]

OP that is terrible. If it were me I would do the surgery as well. At 41 chances are your family is complete. I don't have a cancer line however I have other reasons to want a hysto electively so know all the questions you have asked yourself (and also understand that it is not just about putting an end to any more children it is also about so many more things that make you feel you) I'm sorry I can't offer any advice on doctor's but I think with genetic testing it is becoming more and more common for people to seek out preventitive treatments. (I can remember a story not too long ago on 60 minutes about a lady getting a masectomy due to carrying the cancer gene)

[Maple Leaf]

My 35 year old friend recently had a double mastectomy to prevent her from getting breast cancer. Her mum died of breast cancer and she simply didn't want to worry anymore.
She was negative for the gene, but still went ahead with it due to her atrocious family history.

Best thing she ever did, emotionally she feels 'free'.

Good luck with your decision.

[OmbreRose]

Ive only just seen this, Meredith, Do you know about my surgery? I lose track of who I have discussed it with if we have, great, if not, lets chat sometime