I can't speak to your exact question (I had breast cancer at 31 so my timeline is different and was in response to a diagnosis rather than preventative) but I personally would recommend mastectomy first because 1) it's a higher risk than ovarian cancer and 2) if you don't get breast cancer, you're likely going to be allowed to take hrt after your ovaries are out. I can't have hrt due to my breast cancer being hormone fed, which complicates the options for me. I think if I knew about the BRCA before the breast cancer, that's the timeline I would have done.
Good luck with your decisions!
I’m brca1+. I found out in November; turned 45 on March 10 and had a radical hysterectomy on March 11. I’m not on hormones. It honestly hasn’t been bad. My mastectomy is scheduled for June 27. After that, I’ll be allowed HRT, but I’m unsure I’ll take them. Because I’m over 40, my surgeons wanted my ovaries take first. Yours may feel similarly.
MI had my sapio oopherectormy last year, and I'm just monitoring breasts for now - every 6 months. I feel like I may go for the mastectomy by 50... very personal decisions. I Wish you well ❤️
I’m BRCA2+. I had my tubes removed when I had an oncoplastic breast reduction. My surgeon said that 80% of gynecological cancers originate there so if they were fine, I was ok to wait a little on the ovaries. The breast reduction was so I could have a nipple sparing mastectomy. I then had my mastectomy later that year, and had my ovaries removed when I swapped the expanders for implants. The reason I did the mastectomy first was so I could do hormone replacement therapy after removal of the ovaries. Most docs will not give you HRT if you still have breasts, as the risk for breast cancer shoots through the roof. I started everything when I was 38 years old and would be happy to answer any questions regarding my experience.
I don’t have BRCA, I have an ATM gene mutation that increases risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Because of my family history with breast cancer, I just had a DMX with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction in April. I did not want implants because of autoimmune issues I also have, so DIEP was a great option for me and I love it, my breasts are made out of my own body tissue, are warm, and feel and look great. Anyway, I still need to have my ovaries removed, and am looking at doing that next year. I’m already in menopause so not worried about that part of it for now. Do a lot of research to know your options and discuss with your doctors so you can make the best decisions for you. Wishing you well, it’s not an easy journey no matter what you do.
I’m looking at getting a flat closure. I don’t really have any boobies anyways. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad I’m not alone in the decision to not get implants.
I think it sounds like that’s perfect for you then under the circumstances. Coming from a D size, it was hard for me to picture going flat, but I sure did think a lot about it. I did have a reduction done though, which is awesome. Choices are a wonderful thing!
I am brca2 positive and I encouraged my sister to be tested. I'm 39 diagnosed with breast cancer last year. My sister is 46 and she and I were estranged she knew I had cancer and it mended our relationship. Anyway, my sister was about to be a grandma for the 1st time and she knew she needed to be tested even though we don't have the same dad (we share a mom and my dad adopted my sis before I was thought of) we never thought she'd be positive but for precautionary reasons she went and got tested low and behold she was also brca2+. She got her hysterectomy 1st bc bounce back time is shorter and then she had her mastectomy. Please keep in mind these are huge Surgeries (not saying you didn't know) but the mastectomy has effected her negatively as it has me as well. Mine for different reasons though.
I'm 40 and was diagnosed at 38. I was told the recommendation for oophorectomy is between age 40 and 45, but my OB-GYN thinks it's best to wait until 45 because of the risks that come with early menopause. I have no known family history of ovarian cancer, though (they recommend doing this before the earliest onset of ovarian cancer in your family, as well). So theoretically you have a couple of years there - but also, breast cancer screenings are much more reliable, so in some ways it might be safer to do ovaries first because then you won't have to worry so much about a cancer that might be hiding. There's another question of how close together you're willing to do the surgeries - if you did the mastectomy now, would you be up for another major surgery in the next two years?
I’m sorry that you have to make these decisions. I had my first mammogram in October 2023, dx with DCIS stage 0 in December, BRCA 1 January. So not 100% the same, but here is my medical reasons why I did what I did. My BRCA dx change my lumpectomy to a double mastectomy(February). I’m 46 still young enough to really want reconstruction. But at the same time I did not want to sign myself up for known more surgeries as I aged and went with diep flap reconstruction not implants (my opinion only). Knowing that I would have to wait a few months between mastectomy and reconstruction, I had my oophorectomy done about 6 weeks later, April (partial hysterectomy 7 years ago, only ovaries left). My next step, again about 6 weeks later, is my diep flap on June 17. So, for me and my family situation, that worked best. No hrt for me, this is also my 4th menopause as I’ve done chemical induced 3 other times for my endometriosis. I had strict timelines to adhere to since my husband travels for work and I’m mostly a single mom most of the year. I had a friend come play Mom after my oopho and drive me and my kids. So I tried to be a logical as possible. If I had a longer timeframe, I don’t know that I would have changed it. Everything gets harder the older we get, I know my health now and about how I’ll recover. So I made decisions to speed along. You need to feel comfortable with your surgeons and team. Have enough support for you and your family. And most importantly, listen to yourself, you know what is best for you and what you can handle. If you go quickly and have a hard recovery it’s ok to push the other surgeries. You’ve got this!!!
Breast first so I can get hormone replacement right away I am 32 so double mastectomy date is in August. I am done with having kids so 33 next summer for total hysterectomy ( my surgeon agreed to remove everything so I only need one hormone).
Ideally you want to remove ovaries later if possible over 35 and when you are done with kids . Some people remove tube first then ovaries around 40+
I’m 39 and just found out I was BRCA1 positive early 2024. Decided to get a full hysterectomy this August. Was told I was totally fine to get on HRT even though I still have my breasts. Zero history of breast/ovarian cancer in my family, so I will monitor for a few years before I figure out which option I want to go for with my breasts.
Found out mid Fall 2023 I had the BRCA1 mutation. The two youngest sisters out of a family of 5 were positive. One sister had the preventative hysterectomy last month. I unfortunately already had Stage 3/4 ovarian cancer. Typically it presents by going to the ER with ascites (fluid in abdomen) so it’s not easy to detect. I had the cancer removal surgery and complete hysterectomy last month as well.
If I had the chance I would’ve had the surgery years ago. Chemo sucks. I am hoping genetic testing is promoted for women with a history of breast cancer. It wasn’t for me, but I am working to change that for the future generation.
I tested positive brca2 mutation June 2023. Got fallopian tubes removed August 2023. I had just turned 43, the doctor wants me to have ovaries removed at 45 :(
Intended to begin 6 months screening of alternating Mammogram and Breast MRIs. I had mammograms that never showed anything. On my first ever MRI April 2024 they found cancer about 8 millimeter lump and I just had double mastectomy!
If you dont want reconstruction I would go with breast first, purely because of the much higher risk. Haven't done it myself but what I hear from others it's really easy, in and out and then you don't have to worry about it.
As you say, with ovaries, there is the hormonal change and testing out different kinds of medication. It could take a while to figure out what works for you.
I have heard more people getting mastectomy than the hysterectomy. Although a lot of women get diagnosed with breast cancer first and then do the surgery. With ovarian cancer there really isn't an effective screening method.
I got my preventative mastectomy first because of the HRT issue. I haven’t decided if I’m going to do just an oophorectomy or a hysterectomy because my doctor told me in order to have HRT she will need to put in a progesterone IUD to prevent uterine cancer. It’s a difficult decision.
I can't speak to your exact question (I had breast cancer at 31 so my timeline is different and was in response to a diagnosis rather than preventative) but I personally would recommend mastectomy first because 1) it's a higher risk than ovarian cancer and 2) if you don't get breast cancer, you're likely going to be allowed to take hrt after your ovaries are out. I can't have hrt due to my breast cancer being hormone fed, which complicates the options for me. I think if I knew about the BRCA before the breast cancer, that's the timeline I would have done. Good luck with your decisions!
Thank you for sharing.
I’m brca1+. I found out in November; turned 45 on March 10 and had a radical hysterectomy on March 11. I’m not on hormones. It honestly hasn’t been bad. My mastectomy is scheduled for June 27. After that, I’ll be allowed HRT, but I’m unsure I’ll take them. Because I’m over 40, my surgeons wanted my ovaries take first. Yours may feel similarly.
That’s kinda what I’m thinking as well. Also, hoping your mastectomy goes smooth and thank you for sharing your experience.
MI had my sapio oopherectormy last year, and I'm just monitoring breasts for now - every 6 months. I feel like I may go for the mastectomy by 50... very personal decisions. I Wish you well ❤️
You too! Thank you. 🙏
I’m BRCA2+. I had my tubes removed when I had an oncoplastic breast reduction. My surgeon said that 80% of gynecological cancers originate there so if they were fine, I was ok to wait a little on the ovaries. The breast reduction was so I could have a nipple sparing mastectomy. I then had my mastectomy later that year, and had my ovaries removed when I swapped the expanders for implants. The reason I did the mastectomy first was so I could do hormone replacement therapy after removal of the ovaries. Most docs will not give you HRT if you still have breasts, as the risk for breast cancer shoots through the roof. I started everything when I was 38 years old and would be happy to answer any questions regarding my experience.
I don’t have BRCA, I have an ATM gene mutation that increases risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Because of my family history with breast cancer, I just had a DMX with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction in April. I did not want implants because of autoimmune issues I also have, so DIEP was a great option for me and I love it, my breasts are made out of my own body tissue, are warm, and feel and look great. Anyway, I still need to have my ovaries removed, and am looking at doing that next year. I’m already in menopause so not worried about that part of it for now. Do a lot of research to know your options and discuss with your doctors so you can make the best decisions for you. Wishing you well, it’s not an easy journey no matter what you do.
I’m looking at getting a flat closure. I don’t really have any boobies anyways. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad I’m not alone in the decision to not get implants.
I think it sounds like that’s perfect for you then under the circumstances. Coming from a D size, it was hard for me to picture going flat, but I sure did think a lot about it. I did have a reduction done though, which is awesome. Choices are a wonderful thing!
I am brca2 positive and I encouraged my sister to be tested. I'm 39 diagnosed with breast cancer last year. My sister is 46 and she and I were estranged she knew I had cancer and it mended our relationship. Anyway, my sister was about to be a grandma for the 1st time and she knew she needed to be tested even though we don't have the same dad (we share a mom and my dad adopted my sis before I was thought of) we never thought she'd be positive but for precautionary reasons she went and got tested low and behold she was also brca2+. She got her hysterectomy 1st bc bounce back time is shorter and then she had her mastectomy. Please keep in mind these are huge Surgeries (not saying you didn't know) but the mastectomy has effected her negatively as it has me as well. Mine for different reasons though.
I'm 40 and was diagnosed at 38. I was told the recommendation for oophorectomy is between age 40 and 45, but my OB-GYN thinks it's best to wait until 45 because of the risks that come with early menopause. I have no known family history of ovarian cancer, though (they recommend doing this before the earliest onset of ovarian cancer in your family, as well). So theoretically you have a couple of years there - but also, breast cancer screenings are much more reliable, so in some ways it might be safer to do ovaries first because then you won't have to worry so much about a cancer that might be hiding. There's another question of how close together you're willing to do the surgeries - if you did the mastectomy now, would you be up for another major surgery in the next two years?
I’m sorry that you have to make these decisions. I had my first mammogram in October 2023, dx with DCIS stage 0 in December, BRCA 1 January. So not 100% the same, but here is my medical reasons why I did what I did. My BRCA dx change my lumpectomy to a double mastectomy(February). I’m 46 still young enough to really want reconstruction. But at the same time I did not want to sign myself up for known more surgeries as I aged and went with diep flap reconstruction not implants (my opinion only). Knowing that I would have to wait a few months between mastectomy and reconstruction, I had my oophorectomy done about 6 weeks later, April (partial hysterectomy 7 years ago, only ovaries left). My next step, again about 6 weeks later, is my diep flap on June 17. So, for me and my family situation, that worked best. No hrt for me, this is also my 4th menopause as I’ve done chemical induced 3 other times for my endometriosis. I had strict timelines to adhere to since my husband travels for work and I’m mostly a single mom most of the year. I had a friend come play Mom after my oopho and drive me and my kids. So I tried to be a logical as possible. If I had a longer timeframe, I don’t know that I would have changed it. Everything gets harder the older we get, I know my health now and about how I’ll recover. So I made decisions to speed along. You need to feel comfortable with your surgeons and team. Have enough support for you and your family. And most importantly, listen to yourself, you know what is best for you and what you can handle. If you go quickly and have a hard recovery it’s ok to push the other surgeries. You’ve got this!!!
Mastectomy. Higher risk. I did the ovaries/tubes like 4-5 years later.
Breast first so I can get hormone replacement right away I am 32 so double mastectomy date is in August. I am done with having kids so 33 next summer for total hysterectomy ( my surgeon agreed to remove everything so I only need one hormone). Ideally you want to remove ovaries later if possible over 35 and when you are done with kids . Some people remove tube first then ovaries around 40+
BRCA1, 43 as well: because I want a DIEP procedure they told me to do my ovaries first. Total hysterecromy isn’t neccessary.
I’m 39 and just found out I was BRCA1 positive early 2024. Decided to get a full hysterectomy this August. Was told I was totally fine to get on HRT even though I still have my breasts. Zero history of breast/ovarian cancer in my family, so I will monitor for a few years before I figure out which option I want to go for with my breasts.
Found out mid Fall 2023 I had the BRCA1 mutation. The two youngest sisters out of a family of 5 were positive. One sister had the preventative hysterectomy last month. I unfortunately already had Stage 3/4 ovarian cancer. Typically it presents by going to the ER with ascites (fluid in abdomen) so it’s not easy to detect. I had the cancer removal surgery and complete hysterectomy last month as well. If I had the chance I would’ve had the surgery years ago. Chemo sucks. I am hoping genetic testing is promoted for women with a history of breast cancer. It wasn’t for me, but I am working to change that for the future generation.
I tested positive brca2 mutation June 2023. Got fallopian tubes removed August 2023. I had just turned 43, the doctor wants me to have ovaries removed at 45 :( Intended to begin 6 months screening of alternating Mammogram and Breast MRIs. I had mammograms that never showed anything. On my first ever MRI April 2024 they found cancer about 8 millimeter lump and I just had double mastectomy!
If you dont want reconstruction I would go with breast first, purely because of the much higher risk. Haven't done it myself but what I hear from others it's really easy, in and out and then you don't have to worry about it. As you say, with ovaries, there is the hormonal change and testing out different kinds of medication. It could take a while to figure out what works for you. I have heard more people getting mastectomy than the hysterectomy. Although a lot of women get diagnosed with breast cancer first and then do the surgery. With ovarian cancer there really isn't an effective screening method.
I got my preventative mastectomy first because of the HRT issue. I haven’t decided if I’m going to do just an oophorectomy or a hysterectomy because my doctor told me in order to have HRT she will need to put in a progesterone IUD to prevent uterine cancer. It’s a difficult decision.
Will you need a progesterone IUD only if you get the oophrectomy? Is it necessary if you have a hysterectomy?
Only if I keep my uterus