Hysterectomy with oophorectomy: involves the removal of the fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix and one or both sets of ovaries.
The procedure is performed laparoscopically. I decided to have it done for a few reasons:
* To stop my Zoladex injections. Zoladex is a pellet of meds shunted under my belly fat via a f@#koff large needle every month. This puts me into menopause. I have to have these for some time as I’m only thirty-seven, so it’ll take a while for me to go naturally into menopause.
* I have a small calcification on my left ovary, which worries no one but me. However, it brought my decision forward to remove the lot as the fear of secondary breast cancer on my ovaries is high. My mother, Heather, had this happen to her. Secondary breast cancer spreading to your ovaries from primary breast cancer is rare, but still occurs.
* I cannot have more children, unless I stop the Zoladex injections and resume menstruation.
* I have no more use for them, and consider their total removal another ‘tick’ on my list of do everything it takes to live without cancer.
I’m attending the Royal Brisbane Hospital for surgery.
Josie, You are such an example of clear-eyed strength in the face of this disease! Good luck with the operation. And congratulations, too, with all the fantastic fundraising you’ve been a part of.
Love, Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Thanks luv. I thought of you last week and wondered where you’re at with writing (?). I have an image of you in a small village by the sea with an inlet that zooms in and out. I plan to submit MA this semester – finally! It’s lovely to have you beam-in.
Josie x.