Ob Gyn

D.,

My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and underwent genetic testing to help her evaluate whether or not to have her healthy breast and ovaries removed. She's 46. Both parents had breast cancer as did her paternal aunt.

Her surgeon - (a kind, compassionate, and competent specialist who is well regarded in the breast cancer field) - urged her to have the genetic test. Thank goodness he did. The genetic test came back negative.

Here's a resource in Seattle, WA that might help you move forward as you continue to gather information:

Ovarian and Breast Cancer Alliance of Washington
The Alliance empowers women and their healthcare providers about the symptoms, risk factors, and recommended action steps to promote the early detection of ovarian and breast cancers. The outreach activities are facilitated by healthcare professionals and trained volunteers. For more information call ###-###-####.

The test my friend had took two weeks to get approval from the insurance company and cost $3,400. Another three weeks passed before she got the results back. Had she gotten a positive result, members of her family could then have been tested to see if they have the same gene for only $400.

Ask if there's additional testing that can be done to assess your risk.

L. P.

I haven't myself have had cancer. But I love my OB GYN - his name is Richard Beyerlein at Pacific Womans care between 6th and 7th and Charnelton (I think). Great guy.
If you think and believe that maybe you don't need to have the surgery - get a second opinion. You know your body better than most people. Good luck - tough one. My prayers.

Last August I was diagnosed with cervical cancer (I'm now 34) and b/c I have a strong family history of ovarian cancer I opted (after lots of research and thought and advice from my Dr.) to remove my ovaries as well. I had a complete hystorectomy in Sept. and am now cancer free. I don't totally know your medical situation so it would be wise to discuss your options with your doctor and even get another Dr. opinion but I will tell you that I don't feel any differently. I am taking hormones and was more afraid of feeling menopausal after my hyst. but I don't. So on top of feeling fine I also have the peace of mind that I shouldn't have to worry about getting ovarian cancer later on. My doctor explained to me that there isn't any tests currently available in which we're able to detect ovarian cancer until you actually have it. And at that time - it's a little too late! I wasn't willing to take that chance. I also took a genetic test which indicated I do have the genetic gene putting me at a higher risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Maybe you could look into that as well before making a decision. Best of luck to you in your medical journey. Hope my experience helps.
T.

Going through it now myself...do you know if yur have either of the BRCA genes??? Do you know if your tumor is er positive pr positive or her2neu positive??? The answers to these questions could help you decide. Without knowing the answers it's hard to say, so try to find out and get back to me.

I have the breast cancer gene and got breast cancer (er negative, pr negative, her2neu negative) and will be having my ovaries removed in a couple of months.

I highly suggest the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause," by Dr. John Lee or any similar book he's written with similar title. It explains in depth with language you can understand what happens to a woman's body with HRT, sex organ removal, etc.

I don't recommend the surgery myself, but it's a personal choice. I can say that it certainly wouldn't hurt to read this book first. I think it will be extremely helpful.

Hello -

I don't have experience with this per say, but I did volunteer for the American Cancer Resource Center in my area before my pregnancy. They have a lot of free information and resources available and people available to help navigate the information. Also you can go to www.cancer.org to do your own research. I don't know if that helps you or not, but I hope it does. TC

removing organs from the body has neg. effects. I strongly suggest seeing a Naturopathic Doctor. It is much safer, and typically you will heal over time. I have a friend who has recovered from breast cancer, and is now seeing a naturopathic doctor. She looks great on the outside, and feels great on the inside. Praise God for the ability to allow our bodies to heal themselves. You may also want to see mercola.com. And search information there. Go in faith whatever you decide, do not let fear dictate your decision. May you be blessed.