Hi, I am trying to decide on whether to keep my ovaries at the moment. I’ve been told I have a stage one tumour and hysterectomy is recommended. The surgeon obviously wants to remove everything but I am only 31 and don’t want to go into a surgical menopause at the moment as I live a very physically active lifestyle and I know the menopause is going to effect my quality of life. I don’t know anyone with this cancer and I was just wondering if anyone has kept their ovaries and had success of no reoccurrence or other potential risks?
Hi Daisy
I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
I can understand your concerns around a surgical menopause.
Whilst it is good news that your provisional pre op stage is a stage 1, it is also important to find out what grade the cancer is. The grade influences the chances of recurrence etc. There are also other potential genetic markers that can also be important. The grade is normally found from the biopsy results. The stage is from the MRI/CT scan that is done pre surgery. In my experience these can change post op but on the whole seem to be fairly accurate.
If the cancer is low grade and low stage then ovarian sparing surgery may well be an option but the post op results are also important. If the results were unexpected (as mine were) then it may mean further surgery in the future. So pre op my cancer was thought to be a stage 1-2. I was not told a grade. Post op it turned out to be a stage 1 which was good but however the grade was a more aggressive one.
Many ladies on here tend to be close to menopause or post menopause as that is the age where endometrial cancer more commonly occurs. There are other younger ladies, like yourself on here but it may take a few days for them to reply to your post.
It does sound as if your cancer has been caught early and I would just advise you to make sure your have all the facts so that your decision is an informed one. If it would help, do give the Support Line a call and talk to one of the nurses.
I wish you well for your surgery and we are here if you need us.
Jane
