I'm 27 years old and this year was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer. I'm having my colon resectioned on thursday, and yesterday (Friday) my doctor told me that I have a 60% risk of getting uterine cancer (in addition to a 40% risk of developing another tumor in my colon), and might want to think of getting a hysterectomy. He made it sound like it was an option to get them done together, but I don't know how comfortable I am getting additional surgery with side effects that I haven't researched or talked about with a doctor yet...

Is there anyone here that has had a preventive hystorectomy, and what was your experience with it?

thanks!
cinda

I did not have a preventitive hysterectomy but did have one due to endometrial cancer. I do know that the two cancers are related. I know that I have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and have colonoscopies every couple of years. I' have had polyps removed at each colonoscopy. All polyps have been benign and of the kind that never turn malignant. If it were me, and I was already going to be having surgery, I'd consider doing the hyst at that time. When I had my hyst, it is not easy surgery, but doable. If you could get a lap assisted or vaginal hyst, you could avoid the abdominal incision. If they are already going to be doing abdominal surgery, then having the hyst would sort of be right there and handy. I know I had an ovary embedded in the bowel and the after effects of abdominal surgery are just not that different between the two surgeries. You could consider keeping your ovaries and cervix. If those are fine, than no reason to add that to the list. The endo cancer is the one that is connected to the colon cancer. Definetely consider seeing a gyn/onc to do the consult on this. Gyn/onc's are trained in doing this. Their surgical skills are better for this type of surgery. I'd explore the possiblilities.

Are you getting any pelvic radiation, which will throw you into an early menopause. I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer and fortunately didn't have a resection but I did have pelvic radiation and internal radiation which made me go into menopause 20 years too soon. The early menopause has been hard, to say the least. I know about my increased risk of uterine cancer, but I go to my gynecologist 2-3 times a year and also wear a low dose HRT patch, which can help reduce this risk. If you aren't having radiation, it would be better for your health to continue having periods, especially for the sake of your bones. I would get a second opinion before having a hysterectomy so soon. I know a few young women who were diagnosed with colon cancer in their 20s and none of them had hysterectomies. My heart goes out to you, because I know how shocking all this can be. Have you read some of the posts in the Colorectal Cancer section? Lots of help there too.

Hi my sister in law had a preventative hysterectomy two months ago and she is better than ever. Pllease don't be scared and excuse my spelling. My thoughts are with you but I am sure you will be fine. Love Gayn