Monday, February 28, 2011

Silver linings

We often focus on the negative effects of surgical menopause to reduce ovarian cancer risk: the hot flashes,  the sexual side effects, dry skin etc.  But today I thought I would put together a list of the positive side of removing my ovaries.  Here is my list of the things that are great about no longer having ovaries:
  1. No more fear of ovarian cancer.
  2. No more periods, period.
  3. No more anxiety from ovulation cysts that show up on my screening ultrasounds that result in repeated trips to the doctor and sleepless nights.
  4. No more cyclical bloating and weight gain.
  5. No more PMS.
  6. No more yeast infections (so far!).
I was hoping to come up with a list of ten, but so far this is all that comes to mind.  Please add to the list with your own.  We spend so much time focusing on the negative that I think an attitude of gratitude can be found by a little focus on the positive.

Joi

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25 comments:

  1. LisaFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    No more worry of getting pregnant!!!!!!
    Lisa.

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  2. Joi MorrisFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Ah yes! How did I forget that one?

    Thanks!
    Joi

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  3. glamaz0nFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Haha! No more worry about getting pregnant because not only do I have no ovaries, I am no longer interested in doing what it takes to get pregnant!

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  4. Teri S.February 28, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Great idea, Joi! You've my favorite reasons!

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  5. Teri S.February 28, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    oops, meant to say, "You've listed my favorite reasons!"

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  6. Joi MorrisFebruary 28, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Thanks Teri!

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  7. Wedding QueenFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    No cramps!

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  8. Joi MorrisFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    How could I have forgotten cramps in just 6 months!

    Thanks for the addition!
    Joi

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I echo the no cramps. Don't miss those.

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  10. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    I have more energy! Yay! Maybe from less worry, maybe from less pain. Doesn't really matter. It's been great!

    Also, no need to change over to flannel sheets every winter. I still love the coolness of slipping into my high thread count cotton sheets every night. . . Jeni

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  11. P dixonFebruary 28, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Save money at the drugstore!

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  12. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    no more anemia due to heavy bleeding!
    no more big iron pills!

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  13. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I swear - my abdomen is flatter!!

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  14. DawnaFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Thanks for the great "positive list"...I am now 12 days post op and have been feeling really good....no hot flashes yet!! I will be looking forward to reorganizing my bathroom and can now make room in the cupboard for where the tampon box use to sit!! Thanks for the encouragment ladies!

    From Alberta

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  15. Joi MorrisFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Thanks for all the comments ladies!

    A friend's daughter was over a few days ago and discreetly took me aside and asked if she could borrow a tampon. She looked positively panic stricken when I said "No, I don't have any tampons." Fortunately, another friend had one in her purse and I did't need to make an emergency run to the drugstore in the rain.

    Dawna, glad to hear you are healing well.

    Take care,
    Joi

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  16. breast reconstruction surgery Los AngelesMarch 1, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Great to look at the positive side of life.When a surgery needs a to be done for the betterment of health then it is only better for us to look at it's rosy side.

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  17. Joi MorrisMarch 1, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Thanks for your thoughts. Not that I am an advocate of always viewing the world through rose colored glasses so to speak but I do think it is easy to get caught up in the negative and lose sight of the good parts of every situation.

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  18. AnonymousMarch 1, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Fewer migraine headaches just prior!

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  19. Positive ResultsMarch 2, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Migraines are awful. So glad you got this benefit from removing your ovaries!

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  20. nancyspointMarch 6, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Even though I did not have my bilateral til after a cancer diagnosis, I am still glad I had it done, better late than never, as they say. I feel it lessens my chance for a recurrence, especially since I am BRCA2 postitive. I applaud women taking action to prevent cancer. Possibly preventing cancer, that's the greatest silver lining of all!

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  21. Joi MorrisMarch 6, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Nancy,

    You are absolutely correct and thanks for giving us all some serious perspective. Preventing cancer is not only the primary reason but the biggest silver lining to preventive surgery.

    I am sorry about your cancer diagnosis but you are right, bilateral mastectomies was the best thing you could do to prevent recurrence or an additional primary cancer.

    Wishing you continued good health,
    Joi

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  22. AnonymousAugust 14, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Just had my hysterectomy last Monday but feeling pretty good today. I foundnout I was brca 2 a few months ago and feel very blessed to of made it to 50 without cancer so far.. I bought your book joi and it really helped but my pbm is scheduled for the 24th of thus month and really freaking out,,,!! I want to just canceal but no it's for the best ... Really need a shot of courage!,, I have a very physical job with heavy lifting and worry about how long it will take to recover my strength

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  23. Joi MorrisAugust 14, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Glad you are healing and starting to feel good. But doing two surgeries close together will make the second recovery harder. Don't expect to be back to your heavy lifting any time soon. But you can do this. We are all strong and courageous.

    Thanks for buying the book and I am so glad you found it helpful.
    Take care and heal well,
    Joi

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  24. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    I can now buy expensive pretty underwear and not worry about them being ruined!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Cosmetic SurgeonsFebruary 11, 2013 at 3:33 AM

    I would like to thank you for the efforts that you have made in writing this article. This is exactly what I need, Thanks a lot. Keep blogging.

    ReplyDelete

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