lking’s Posts
UPDATE 11/11/16:
Thank you to those OHers that have sent me messages asking about my progress. I am happy to say that I am doing VERY well! In fact, I'm doing so well that my radiation oncologist has decided to cut my radiation treatments from 33 to 30. So, next Friday (11/18) will be my final radiation treatment. Yay!!
I'm still having Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks. These are no big deal...no side effects from them. I have to have them for 1 year. I believe I will be done with the Herceptin infusions sometime in July 2017.
My weight loss is in a plateau status.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
After toting around the annoying drains for 7 weeks, they were finally removed today. I see the radiologist on Wednesday (9/28) and will also have a CT scan for the radiologist. I'm guessing that my 33 radiation treatments will start next Monday.
Now that I completed my chemo back on July 7th, my appetite has finally returned...with a vengence. I'm eating mostly dense protein along with some veggies. My RD said I am doing great with my RNY. She isn't concerned about my increased appetite, saying that I am handling everything just great.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
Crossposted...
My RNY was on 12/4/15 then on 2/29 I received a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer. I started 6 rounds of chemo on 3/17/16, completing chemo on 7/7/16. On 8/9/16 I had a double mastectomy (removal of the cancer affected right breast, right underarm lymph nodes, and prophylactic removal of the left breast). This was my Cancer Free Day!
Every 8/9 will be celebrated by my family, friends, and me as my Cancer Free Day anniversary. The cancer is gone but I still have a very long road ahead of me. I am now on 1 year of Herceptin infusions every 3 weeks, and radiation will begin in about 4 weeks (33 treatments, 5 days a weeks for 6 1/2 weeks).
Six months after radiation is completed I start on breast reconstruction (aka Delayed DIEP). This will entail 4 surgeries. When all is said and done it will be a process of more than 2 years from diagnosis to completion. I am lucky to be alive, only felt sorry for myself the first 3 weeks after diagnosis. I was told by both my oncology surgeon and my oncologist that I owe my success with cancer treatment to WLS. I became healthy...no more HBP, high cholesterol, or diabetes, and my weight was a safer level.
I have continued to safely lose weight throughout my ordeal. My bariatric surgeon and my oncologist having closely monitored my diet and weight loss so I could continue losing weight at a safe rate. Getting the necessary daily minimum of 60 grams of protein and 64 ozs of fluid has been a struggle throughout all this. Many days I just couldn't do it, but I persevered the best I could.
When you are upset over a few months of thinning hair, think of those that have completely lost their hair due to chemo. Myself, I have been completely bald for the last 5 months. Hair grows back. When you want to cheat while on your plan, think of those of us that would give anything just to be able to eat and drink anything, even the food on our plan. BTW, I have never once cheated or gone off plan since I began my journey on 8/5/15.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
Cross post...
Some of you are aware that 2 1/2 months after my RNY, last December, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. My cancer medical team was concerned with the fact of being a new bariatic patient so close to being a new oncology patient, that I would lose weight too rapidly, which is not good when undergoing chemo. To say the least I have been watched very closely and I have been able to maintain a healthy balance.
My chemo treatments have been every 3 weeks. I managed to keep my oncologist happy by only losing about 5 pounds during each 3 week period. My bariatric NUT and surgeon have been okay with my slower weight loss since I have a good reason. They said we will get back to whatever I need to do for weight loss after the cancer crap is out if me.
Even being on chemo I have been able to lose 104.4 lbs. Each chemo treatment I gain 7 lbs of fluid that takes me a week to lose. Then last week I was hospitalized and had emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction, which turned out to be an internal pelvic hernia.
During my 5 days in the hospital, with IV fluids being pumped into me 24/7, I gained 15 pounds. I was not allowed anything by mouth for 2 days, then I was finally put on a clear liquid diet for 1.5 days. The last day I was put on a regular bariatric diet, but I had no appetite so I just sipped on my Premier Protein shake, that my hubs brought from home, and decaf tea.
Even being home I still don't yet have an appetite so I am thankful for my Premier Protein shakes for getting my protein. Between not completely losing my hospital IV fluids and then Chemo yesterday, which is good for gaining 7 lbs of fluid, it won't be until the end of next week before I know my actual weight.
My double mastectomy will be in 4.5 weeks. I am prepared for a large weight gain from IV fluids. I will weigh myself the morning of surgery and then not again for a few week after. This should be interesting to say the least.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
Thank you for checking on me! I'm doing good. My 6th and final chemo treatment will be next Thursday (7/7). I will be so glad to be finished with chemo. I have endured just about every possible side effect.
My double mastectomy will take place on 8/9. After recovery, 6 1/2 weeks of radiation treatments will take place. After recovery from radiation reconstruction of both breast begins. Sometime after radiation my 1 year of Herceptin infusions will take place (every 3 weeks).
I have a GREAT support system and medical team!
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
I had my RNY on 12/4/15, on 2/29/16 I received a confirmed diagnosis of ER/PR-, HER2+ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the right breast with metastasis of the armpit lymph nodes. My oncologist said I may have a slight weight gain from the steroids I will be given with each chemo treatment. My bariatric center said not to worry about any weight gain as my first objective is to be rid of my cancer, weight loss will be handled again once I am well.
So far I have only had 1 treatment, my 2nd is Thurs of this week. I gained 2 lbs, but that was fluid retention. I lost the 2 lbs within a few days.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
I received a confirmation yesterday that both masses are cancer. I have an appointment with a recommended breast surgeon this morning. I know this is serious stuff but I can't help wonder what is going to happened with my RNY weight loss.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
Thank you for your insight. I'm nervous about getting my results tomorrow and frightened about what may be ahead for me.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
My gyno found 2 nodules in my right breast during my yearly exam on Monday of this week. I had a diagnostic mammogram w/ultrasound on Wednesday. The doc did not like what she saw (2 masses + some lymph nodea) and scheduled me for a vacuum core needle biopsy w/ultrasound on Friday (yesterday). She said that even if the biopsies come back negative that I will need to see a breast surgeon as the masses need to come out.
The elephant was in the room for sure. I know by the conversation that she suspects I have cancer. I am just 3 months out from having my RNY, how will chemo, radiation, and surgery affect my RNY progress? What about the drugs I will possibly have to take, are there any I have to be wary of because of my RNY?
Any advice from anyone that found themselves in my shoes after having RNY?
Update morning of 2/29/16: I got the electronic results of the mammogram and ultrasound that was done last Wednesday, it sounds ominous.
"2 irregular hypoechoic right breast masses with right axillary adenopathy. Findings are highly suggestive of malignancy with metastatic adenopathy.
Final Assessment: Highly Suggestive of Malignancy- Appropriate Action Should Be Taken (BIRADS Category 5)"
I will be receiving the biopsy report sometime today.
Update evening of 2/29/16: The radiologist did not receive the test results from the lab today. They said hopefully they will come in tomorrow. I'm a nervous hot mess right now.
67 yrs old, 4'10", BMI 31.8 (51.8 at start), HW 256.4 (8/4/15), SW 217.4, CW 152.8 (4/30/18), GW 125.0, RNY 12/4/15 Dr. RoseMarie Jones, Breast Cancer DX 2/16, Bi-lateral mastectomy 8/9/16.
