ObesityHelp

Weight Loss Surgery Directory

By Location By Map

kat87120’s Posts

kat87120
on 11/17/08 8:54 am

Topic: RE: cancer after weight loss...please read and advice

Michelle, God bless you. I am a two time cancer survivor (both prior to WLS), however, neither one of the cancers were cervical. I battled colo-rectal cancer in 2003 and vaginal cancer along with squameous cell in my lymph nodes and pelvic area in 2004. I wish I had the information you are looking for but I do not. What I do have are tons and tons of thoughts and prayers going your way. Please try to stay positive and if there is anything in the world I can do to help you through this difficult time, please, let me know.

Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 10/10/08 2:15 pm

Topic: RE: Brother has Pancreatic Cancer

Angel, I'm sorry to hear of your brothers health. Please know that he and your entire family are in my prayers. As far as getting him to eat, I don't know if I can help in that area or not... I went through cancer twice along with the chemo and radiation rodeo. I knew that I had to keep my weight up or they would stop the treatment so I would try to eat 5 to 6 times a day. I didn't eat my favorite things as I didn't want to "ruin" the love for them but I did go overboard on fattening snacks like ice cream and shakes. For me, the ice cream treats were like a feel good thing and they also managed to keep my weight on (added a few pounds, in fact). I also took the anti-nauseau (spelling?) drugs every time I felt the slightest bit of upset stomach. Staying ahead of the upset stomach feeling helped with my appitite.

Again, my best to your brother and know he is in my prayers.

Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 9/24/08 2:56 pm

Topic: RE: Second opinion

Tammy,

First, take a deep breath and keep taking deep breaths. I am a two time cancer survivor so I have a pretty good idea what you are going through. As for my two cents on what to do, IMHO, I would get a second opinion from someone outside of your regular oncologist's office. I'm sure his partners are very good but to set your mind at ease I would suggest you see someone who is not tied to your regular oncologist.

Please keep us posted and know that you are in my prayers.

Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 8/28/08 6:06 am

Topic: RE: 1 year post op, 5 lbs to goal, and diagnosed with breast cancer!

Win1, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please stay positive and don't let the evil beast get the best of you. If there was one thing that got me through my two rounds of cancer it was that I got MAD! I mean REALLY mad at cancer! I refused to let it rule my life. As far as the chemo goes, I completely understand your concern but my experience with chemo was that the oncologists wanted me to maintain my weight, no going up OR down. As it was explained to me, your starting weight (start of chemo) is one of the many factors in calculating the chemo dosage. When you drop too much weight your body will get weak and they may have to halt the chemo (you don't want that!). It is not silly at all for you to be concerned about your body image, you have come a long way! Something that helped me a bit was a support group for cancer patients.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help you through this difficult time, please, drop me a note. And please keep us posted on how things are going.

Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 8/25/08 10:25 am

Topic: RE: Hodgkins Lymphoma / gastric bypass

Nancy, a {{{{{BIG HUG}}}}} for you being cancer free for so long, that is wonderful! I am not quite four years out with my last go around with cancer and I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy done May 29, 2008. Like you, I went through round after round of chemo and radiation so I wasn't so sure my insurance would support my desire for WLS. Please, if you haven't visited with your oncologist, I would suggest you do that first and foremost. Depending on what area of your body was affected by your cancer your oncologist may have a little insight as to what surgery is best for you. I had colo-rectal cancer and vaginal cancer as well as cancer in my pelvic area and a few lymph nodes. Because the cancer was so wide spread they had to remove my entire colon, thus making a gastric bypass out of the question. Again, I would suggest you contact your oncologist, get his opinion (and probably his support!) and then proceed with all your ducks in a row. As stated by the previous poster, RESEARCH RESEARCH, RESEARCH! One particular WLS may be great for one individual, but it may not be what is best for you so do your research. Good luck and keep us posted! Hope to see you soon on the losers bench!

Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 7/30/08 9:23 pm

Topic: RE: In a panic!

Marilyn, my heart and prayers go out to you and your brother. I am a colo-rectal cancer survisor as well as squameous cell carcenoma in my lymph nodes, pelvic area and stage 4 vaginal cancer.... and I know all too well how upsetting and nerve wracking those calls from the doc can be. Please know that you are not alone in this journey, you have the support of the board and those of us who have been down the road you are on now. I know it is easy for me to say be positive and not quite so easy for you to do.... But please do know that we are here for you. Something that has helped me get through my numerous rounds of cancer was that I got totally pissed off at cancer! I refused to allow "it" to win the battle. If there is anything I can do to help you through this difficult time, please drop me a note.
God Bless you and your family.
Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 7/29/08 9:43 am

Topic: RE: wls, breast cancer and tamoxifen

Margaret,

I am a cancer survivor as well but not breast cancer (colo-rectal, squamous cell in my lymph nodes and pelvic area and Stage 4 vaginal cancer) so I can't help you with your questions... but, I applaud you for taking such an active interest in your plans! Research, research, research is the best thing in the world you can do until you actually start your process to find a doctor right for you and make your surgery decision. You are so right with your statement that the extra weight increases your risk of the cancer returning. Good luck in your research, don't let up! And keep on the good health road! My best to your sisters as well.

Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 7/16/08 6:33 pm

Topic: RE: 3 time cancer survivor- now something new

Stacey, you certainly have my prayers and well wishes. I too am a cancer survivor: 2005, colo-rectal cancer resulting in the removal of my entire colon and leaving me with an ostomy. One year later I was given the "wonderful news" that it had spread and I now had squameous cell carcenoma in my pelvic area, lymph nodes and vaginal cancer. Chemo, radiation, all kinds of surgery, tons and tons of prayers and well wishes and a positive attitude kept me going. I am now four years out and doing great! There is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your spirits high and know that you are in my thoughts.

(((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))
Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 5/28/08 5:38 pm

Topic: RE: Cancer in remission 4 years... still hard to get approved

Butterfly, I am so sorry about your situation. Do you mind if I ask what kind of cancer you went through? I have been in remission for just over three years and all of my oncologist supported my decision for WLS. Because I am not at the five year mark for being cancer free I was very surprised (but very happy!) that my insurance approved the surgery. Speaking from experience I know the bond that you no doubt have with your oncologist but perhaps a second opinion may be in order. Not to say I doubt your primary oncologist but if he sees the view point of a fellow oncologist maybe he will re-evalutate your situatation and give you the okay. I went through colo-rectal cancer in July, 2003 and then cancer in my pelvic area, several lymph nodes and vaginal cancer in July, 2004. Best of luck and keep us informed.... you will be in my thoughts and wishing you the very best! Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 5/18/08 8:12 pm

Topic: RE: pre wls and and questions on RNY and cancer

Jlynn, I can share my two cents if you would like. I am a colon cancer survivor. I had to have my entire colon removed 4 1/2 years ago and then went through another round of cancer a year later (tumor in my pelvic area, cancer in my lymph nodes and also vaginal cancer). I did the chemo and radiation rodea and am now 3 1/2 years out and having wonderful check-ups. Because of my health history my surgeon did not recommend the lapband. I am prone to urinary tract infections which bring with them (at least for me) a high fever. The surgeon believes that with the high fever and having something foriegn in my body that my body may try to reject the lap band. As for the RNy, that is a possibity but not the best option in my case. Since I no longer have a large intestine neither I nor my doctors want my small intestine tampered with in any way. Please know, I consulted NUMEROUS doctors and surgeons so I would be well informed and make the right choices. At all of the surgeons and doctors suggestions I am going with the vertical sleeve. With the sleeve there is no, or limited, concern of malabsorption as no part of the intestine is sliced, diced, spliced or in any way touched. With the sleeve a section of the stomach is removed, everything else stays in place. I am not a "pusher" of any one particular WLS over another, I believe it is an individual choice and that the decision should be made only after that individual has spoken to more than one doctor (second opinions are a must in my book) and the best course of action is determined. A side note, please.... I'm not a "pusher" of which WLS you opt for but I am a "pusher" of colon cancer awareness. For too long colon cancer has been kept quiet because it was "that" cancer that dealt with "that" part of your body. From the family history you descibe I can only hope that you are on top of your check ups and, depending on your age, have a routine colonoscopy. I was a "freak", so to speak, no one in my family had ever had cancer, let alone colon cancer but once I was diagnosed my entire family went in for checkups. What ever your choice I wish you the very best. Please be informed (looks like you are on a good start as far as your research) and please give my best to your Mom for a future of continued good health. Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 4/26/08 8:16 am

Topic: RE: 19 days from WLS and got a call ...

Engel, I am so sorry to hear your news but please try not to panic. I know, that's easier said than done. I have been where you are now with a few differences. I am a two time cancer survivor, colo-rectal cancer in 2003 and vaginal cancer as well as tumors in my pelvic area and lymph nodes in 2004. Add to that, in mid 2004 they also found a lump in my right breast that needed further screening. My WLS journey was put on hold in 2003 when my health started to fail. I am not at all sorry I put the WLS on the back burner at that time in my life... #1, I would not have survived the WLS and the colo-rectal major surgery. #2, I never lost my desire, drive or commitment to get rid of this weight, a little detour just happen to fall in my path. I am now healthly, just heavy, and back on my WLS journey. I have gone through all but one of the pre-testings and my surgeon is looking at mid May, early June for my surgery. PLEASE, PLEASE, do not put off having your breast issues taken care of, IMHO, that is not a wise move at all. As for your statement that "CANCER KILLS!", yes, it does... but so doesn't stepping in front of a fast moving train. Quite possibly your breast issue may be something as simple as a plugged milk gland or even one of the little benign tumors that most women get but you won't know unless you are checked out by a doctor. And if it is something as simple as that, there would be no need to postpone your WLS. Again, PLEASE have your breast issue checked out.... harsh words here but, wouldn't you rather know your breasts are find and then start your weight loss journey, or do you want to have the WLS just in time to fit in a small casket? I know, that is terribly hard to hear, but having been down the cancer path and facing my mortality I have learned what is important to me.... living. God speed and please know you are in my prayers.

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 4/13/08 8:27 am

Topic: RE: This board has passed on!

Marilyn, please don't be so hard on yourself. Before I had cancer the first time I was first very, very sick with ulcerative colitis and c-diff. I had no more energy than a wet rag and didn't look much better than a wet rag! I was in a marriage that was not the best but because we had been married so long I stuck it out. By the time I was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer (stage III) I was just down right mad. I was mad at myself for letting myself get so sick, I was mad at myself for not being happy and I was mad that something that starts out as small as a cell was possibly going to take away my dreams, my desires and my life. So, I sucked it up, put on my big girl panties and directed that anger to the disease and fought it with everything I had! The dr's did not want to do surgery on me, they said I was going to die, why put me through it. I refused, demanded surgery and said if I don't give it a shot then my life was a waste. I made it through surgery (touch and go a few times) and then a long road to recovery. One year and one week later I was diagnosed the second time... The cancer was in some lymph nodes, my pelvic are and now I had vaginal cancer (pushes things to stage IV). You can imagine, I was down right pissed now! I was finally getting some health back and, BAM, my knees are knocked out from under me. Plan B, get REALLY anger AND get REALLY positive! My son was about to marry a beautiful young woman and I was determined to a) be around for the wedding, and b) have my hair! haha! All the chemo drugs I had were guarenteed baldness drugs! I would wake up in the night three and four times, pulling my hair, making sure it did not fall out! I did NOT want to wear a wig at my son's wedding! Well, my hair thinned a bit (I have really thick hair naturally) and I made it through the chemo and radiation. I won't kid you, vaginal cancer is a b*tch! The radiation burns the area inside and out and I became completely incontenent for a time. But I was alive! I kept my anger focused towards the cancer, not anything else. And I kept myself positive as much as possible. Something that helped me was that my neice works in a chldrens hospital and she would share little stories with me about children in the hospital. It would break your heart. I realized that there are those far worse off than me... and why would something so tragic happen to a child? I looked at cancer as an uninvited guest into my life. And once the visit was over, it was time to bid that guest farwell. I also changed a few things in my life.... I divorce my husband (long overdue), moved 200 miles from my "safe zone" and basically started my life over. I was blessed in that I had a pension (retired management in law enforcement) so I did have some finances. I was 45 the first time I had cancer, 46 the second time and 47 when I "moved on" in my life. I have since met a WONDERFUL man, we are married and have a beautiful life. Marilyn, I don't feel like I'm a better person.... I feel like I'm a different person. I'm different than I was before the cancer. If you look deep inside yourself I'm sure you will notice the same thing about yourself. I no longer rush through life... I stop and not only smell the flowers, I also take pictures of them, touch them and just enjoy their presence. It took a couple of good slaps in the face for me to realize that I was important, that I was only going to get out of life what I chose to put into life. As for my son... he has a beautiful, wonderful wife (no grandchildren for me yet), they had a gorgeous wedding, I had my hair (thinner, but still there!) and he understands my journey and my next phase of living. My son was 24 when I divorced his dad (we had been married 27 years)... yes, it was a little difficult on him but he knew that if I didn't make some changes I would have let myself die. The ex hates me (his loss) but my son and I are even closer than we were before (and we were always very close). The WLS is something I am doing for me. My DH loves me no matter what... fat, thin, average... doesn't matter to him just as long as I'm alive and healthy. He is supporting me whole heartedly in this journey. I so wish you felt well enough to get out and be around positive people, it is such an uplifting thing! Have you considered visiting with a professional about your feelings? Please know, I am not a huge pusher of therapy but if it is something that will help then I say try it! Just the fact that you are on this earth makes you a gift. Please, evaluate what is the root of your feelings and address your findings. Have you ever sat and visited openly with your children about your weight loss and your cancer? I felt that the more my son knew of my journey the more informed he would be and the more apt he would be to be open with me about HIS feelings. Children are so funny... even though my son is a young adult it was still hard on him when Mom went through cancer and then Mom and Dad divorced. I let him vent, talk, cry... be himself with me and I never judged. Marilyn, I wish you the very best. Please find yourself.... life is such a gift from God, why hide that gift away by locking yourself away from the world. Please stay in touch and I wish you the very best. Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?

kat87120
on 4/12/08 4:23 pm

Topic: RE: This board has passed on!

Marylin, I am new to the OH site so I just happen to stumble upon the cancer section. I would hate to see this part of the forum dismantle as I am a two time cancer survivor and in the process of WLS. In June, 2003 I was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer and had to have my entire colon and rectum removed (yes, I have a "pouch".. and ileostomy to be precise). One year later, July, 2004, I was diagnosed with squameous cell carcenoma of 4 lymph nodes, a tumor in my pelvic area and vaginal cancer. Because the cancer had spread so much another surgery was out of the question and so I went through a heavy duty treatment of chemo and radiation. I follow my oncologist guidelines and am in for my followup test every three months. With all my doctors blessings I am now starting the WLS process. Because I am prone to urinary tract infections (due to the ostomy) the lapband was not an option for me... all my drs and surgeons recommend the gastric sleeve. I know that the gastric by-pass is tried and true but I'm already living without my large intestines, so I don't want my small intestines messed with. I'm so glad that you opted for WLS and they found the cancer before it got to the point of no return! I honestly believe that having cancer has made me a better and stronger person. I no longer take a single moment for granted. I refused to let cancer take my life and now I have that determination concerning my weight. Why would I fight the battle of my life twice only to fail because of all this excess weight I am carrying around! I pray this finds you doing well and please stay in touch. Katherine

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there. Unknown Author
Failure is only a fact when you give up. Everyone gets knocked down, the question is: Will you get back up?