I'm 23 and I was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had my surgery a month ago. Initially the CT scan showed a tumor on my right ovary (15cm). When I went in for surgery the doctor found another tumor on my left ovary (10cm). He removed both ovaries.
Since that put me straight into menopause the gyno-oncologist put me on the pill (for estrogen). I know there are many risks associated with the pill (including breast cancer) but he keeps on telling me that those risks don't apply to me because my body isn't producing any estrogen at all. So putting estrogen in my body will not affect anything.
I don't know if I trust him. I have another appointment with a different gyno-oncologist in 2 weeks. But in the meantime maybe someone can give me any opinions. Has anyone been put on the pill for treating the symptoms of menopause? How did it turn out?
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Menopause and the pill
- By gabs
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 7:31 pm · 11 replies
- In Young survivors
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Cancer Tylenol Hormone replacement therapy Surgery Hysterectomy Menopause Effexor Breast cancer Ovarian cancer
11 replies
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- By cjpipkins
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 10:57 pm
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I will tell you that I was diganosed with Stage IIIOC at the age of 36 and I had a recurrance 7 years later and my doctor WILL NOT give me any estorgen. The only think I take for my hot flashes and night sweats is Efexor and if I miss one pill I have night sweats all night.
- By gabs
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 11:01 pm
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When you were initially diagnosed did you have your ovaries removed?
- By cjpipkins
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 11:16 pm
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I had everything removed 7 years ago it had already went to colon and lymphnodes. I was 36 years old.
- By Mia0719
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 11:20 pm
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I was dx with Borderline Ovarian last Aug 2008. My GYN/onc will not recommened any Hormone replacement therapy for me. My tumor was estrogen receptive that's why my dr will not prescribe it. Do you have your pathology report?
My dr mentioned Remifemin its natural and many of his patients have benefited from it. Luckly, I only get some mild heat wave once in a while...nothing major.
What stage and grade are you? Will you need chemo?
Best of luck to you!
Aida
- By gabs
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 11:20 pm
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Thanks for telling me that your doctor won't put you on estrogen. From the beginning I thought it was weird when he said the risks wouldn't apply to me. The doctor just seemed to want to get me out of his office.
I looked up Effexor online. What worries me is that it's predominantly used for depression/anxiety. I don't like taking any kind of drugs. Even prior to my diagnosis I would never take even a tylenol for head aches.
Have you ever tried any natural remedies?
- By gabs
- Posted May 17, 2009 at 11:22 pm
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Mia0719 - What stage were you diagnosed with?
Mine is borderline stage 1c. I read on your profile that you had chemo. All the doctors keep on telling me chemo isn't necessary because its only borderline. What was your doctor's opinion on that? Did he recommend chemo or did you decide you wanted to do it without recommendation?
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted May 18, 2009 at 10:13 am
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I've always been told that hormones are OUT with ovca. I'd definitely get another opinion.
- By Mia0719
- Posted May 18, 2009 at 10:55 am
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I am stage IIIB grade1. Normally, borderline ovarian dosent require chemo, but since I had an invasive implant on my bladder my dr thought it would be a good idea...just in case.
I would defenitly get a second opinion before taking any hormones.
- By lilndot
- Posted May 18, 2009 at 12:14 pm
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I agree with the other women here. Get a second opinion! I also was told that hormone replacement was OUT for ovca patients. Also not to take any supplements that contain so called natural estrogen. I was told that Cancer 'feeds' on estrogen. I am 1C clear cell.
- By packerfan
- Posted May 18, 2009 at 1:26 pm
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I was diagnosed last year with a serous borderline tumor stage 1 no implants or invasion and I had two gyn-oncologists say that I was a good candidate for estrogen only replacement. (I was 35 at the time of my hysterectomy) They feel that borderline is not cancer. Maybe it depends on the type of borderline tumor it is. I'm so confused. Both gyn-oncologists I saw are concidered very good doctors. (top notch)
- By Dodie1
- Posted May 20, 2009 at 8:38 pm
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I was also told hormones were out. Get your second opinion.
Take care & God Bless
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