Just a thought...
Moms View Message Board: The Kitchen Table (Debating Board): Just a thought...
Okay, this may not even be a debate question, but posting it here because I think it is food for thought...
I was just reading an article regarding ovarian cancer. It is very hard to catch early, etc...
My DH and I have four beautiful kids. I am 37, he is 44. He had a V after last child, five years old now.
I would not want another child. Whether I divorced, was widowed, felt the need, lost my children, etc. I love babies but I feel satisfied. Here is the BIG question----
Should a woman in my years and stage in life consider having a full H to prevent getting cancer in her reproductive organs?
Again, just food for thought.
NO! (not yelling at Annie2, just making sure that everyone hears me!)
OK...a few years ago, my dh actually had the nerve to suggest that I (and other women) should cut off their breasts so that I (and they) won't get breast cancer. I was appauled that he would say such a thing! We have NEVER had THAT conversation AGAIN! But if he ever tries to say that again, I will be waiting with the knife. After all, I wouldn't want him to get testicular cancer!!! GRRR!
No, you can still get ovarian cancer and other female cancers even without those organs. They just crop up in other places. My grandmother died of ovarian cancer, so I am at moderate risk. My sister obsesses about it, but I just have thorough annual exams, my OB-GYN is aware of my history, and as I get older I will probably have diagnostic sonograms and/or CA-125 tests to check more throughly for possible cancer. I don't think we should live life in fear or "what-ifs." I personally like my ovaries...they keep my body humming along like it should and I don't want to be on prescription hormones for half of my life.
I just went to the Gilda Radner Foundation page and here's what they had to say http://www.ovariancancer.com/ifhistory.shtml. They do suggest removing only the ovaries if you are at high risk (2 or more close relatives with ovarian cancer, i.e., mother, sister).
"Should a woman have a full hysterectomy to preven getting cancer in her reproductive organs?" Well, if you are at high risk of lung cancer you can't have your lungs removed, can you? I think we need to be wise and live healthy lifestyles with consistent medical care, but we do all have to die of something at some point.
Thanks Pam. That is very interesting.
Pam is absolutely correct. My aunt died almost 2 years ago from Ovarian Cancer 25 years after a full hysterectomy.
Annie, with respect, are you out of your ever-lovin' mind?
Unless you are at risk by medical standards as diagnosed by at least two specialists (gynecologist and oncologist), why on earth would you want to run the risks of anesthesia and surgery (which for a hysterectomy, which is fairly major surgery, are significant), and the risks of hospital generated infection, which is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States at present. And, if you have your ovaries removed, there are a whole lot of other medical risks associated with the hormone loss caused by loss and/or shut down of the ovaries. Like increased risk of heart attack, osteoporosis, the two that come to mind immediately.
Just get regular checkups, go to your doctor if you notice anything out of the norm, and make sure your doctor is fully aware of your medical history and your family's medical history. Follow the guidelines for healthy eating, exercise, don't take medications (including over-the-counter and so called "health food" or "natural" medications) you don't need, don't smoke, and go to church (there are studies that show that people with faith tend to lead less stressful lives, which is healthier).
And, stop reading articles about medical conditions.
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