[rainbow8]

My Mom died of ovarian cancer so I had the genetic testing around 10 years ago, and the results were negative. I don't carry the gene for cancer. My regular gynecologist sees me every 6 months and I get a pelvic ultrasound once a year. There is no good screening for oc. I just saw a different doctor because mine is on medical leave. She says most women now get their ovaries removed. My risk is something like 6% while the general population's is 2%. I'm past menopause so that's not an issue. I just don't want unnecessary surgery but I don't want to die if ovarian cancer either. I wasn't worried until I saw this other doctor! Now I don't know what to do! Is there anyone who has been in my situation, or has any advice? Thank you.

[joanna1981]

Heredity is a very rare risk for ovarian cancer. The illness mostly results from growing age (women over 50’s), endometriosis (growth of uterine line outside uterus), and a long term estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy following menopause. Women who have never borne children, became mothers after 30’s or have breast cancer are posed at greater chances to ovarian cancer.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by joanna1981

Heredity is a very rare risk for ovarian cancer. The illness mostly results from growing age (women over 50’s), endometriosis (growth of uterine line outside uterus), and a long term estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy following menopause. Women who have never borne children, became mothers after 30’s or have breast cancer are posed at greater chances to ovarian cancer.

Where'd you get this definitive statement?

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[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by rainbow8

My Mom died of ovarian cancer so I had the genetic testing around 10 years ago, and the results were negative. I don't carry the gene for cancer. My regular gynecologist sees me every 6 months and I get a pelvic ultrasound once a year. There is no good screening for oc. I just saw a different doctor because mine is on medical leave. She says most women now get their ovaries removed. My risk is something like 6% while the general population's is 2%. I'm past menopause so that's not an issue. I just don't want unnecessary surgery but I don't want to die if ovarian cancer either. I wasn't worried until I saw this other doctor! Now I don't know what to do! Is there anyone who has been in my situation, or has any advice? Thank you.

My obgyn only discussed ovary removal when there was an actual scare 2.5 years ago. However, they are still in place.
My mom succumbed at the age of 55.

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[rainbow8]

Update: I had the surgery in September. Recovery took much longer than I thought but now I don't have to get pelvic ultrasounds and CA- 125s anymore, or worry about dying of ovarian cancer. I'm glad I did it.

[*Laurie*]

I'm glad you did the surgery, too. Best to you!

[Unrigged64072835]

I was in the same boat as you, Rainbow. My mother's father's side had cancer through all the siblings, ovarian and breast amongst the females (except one had cervical). Even though I tested negative for the genes my geneticist said there are other genes that can do it but they're not readily easy to test. My GYN did a total hysterectomy (basically everything from the cervix up). I feel better about it and only have to worry about colon and breast cancer (mammograms and colonoscopies already scheduled).

[healingme4me]

Glad to hear that it went well for you. My new gyn told me that I don't need to have regular ultrasounds anymore as there is more medical discussion about efficacy. I'm keeping up with my mammograms, my ovaries are easy to find during annual pelvic exams and am too young for colonoscopies although I don't believe that I have a genetic need for one.

Also, meant to add that there's some new info coming from the uk about tests on mice and genes and immuno therapies seem to work to halt the mastacizing(sp?) of cancer cells. I've had several years with immune system medications care of my MS. Fingers crossed more comes out of that study.

[notz]

A side note: even if you have a complete hysterectomy don't skip pelvic exams! Still a good way to further "examine" the body for anything unusual.