When I first heard that my cancer had returned and had spread to my spine, I knew that it was due to my estrogen levels. I had been on Tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker that blocks the growth of estrogen in your breast cells, for over eight years. A year after I had been on it, Dr. Oncologist had suggested that I start monthly injections of Lupron, which shuts down your ovaries. At that time, I couldn't imagine going to the hospital once a month. The mere mind games that would plague me were unthinkable. And while I try not to 'should' all over myself, I can't help but wonder if all of this would have been prevented.
Which is why, when I found out that my cancer had returned, I quickly asked if it was worth it to remove my ovaries. You know, to get rid of the thing that produces the thing that progresses my cancer. I mean, I'm not going to have any more kids, so what's the big deal. She promised me to revisit it after I was stabilized.
Fast forward 5 months. I've been receiving the Lupron injection (along with a Zometa drip, a bone enhancer) on a monthly basis, and taking Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor (stops estrogen in muscles and tissues) once a day. By now my estrogen levels should be below 20. Some women's levels are 8-10 even after a couple of months. But not this badass lady. Oh no. I don't like to do anything small. After 5 months, my level is over 100. 102 to be exact.
In the words of Dr. Oncologist, 'How the hell are you producing that much estrogen still?' I mean, I always thought I had more balls than most men, but estrogen? Really?
So when she recommended an oophorectomy, I didn't bat an eye. I set an appointment with my new gynecological oncologist (Dr....what shall we call her? Dr. Ovary?) for a consult. And because she left a certain date open in her calendar, well, we were able to schedule it for this week!
But of course, before I can go into surgery, I needed to test negative, yet again for Covid. This time at the Mount Sinai medical tent across from Central Park. The deep throat nasal tickle never gets old, and yes, I am negative, sooooo...
And since I'm a multi-tasker, Dr. Ovary will be removing my IUD at the same time. Don't need that any more either, right?
Just another step to keep me upright, breathing and living my best life. And only because it's happening on Election Day....here you go.
