Cancer and RNY

Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms out there!


I have breast cancer. My journey has just started but I am trying to do as much research as possible before I meet with my surgeon and Oncologist this week.

I know I will be having chemotheraphy in the near future and have a few questions for anyone that might know what to expect.  I know I will be getting sick and will be throwing up a lot. Will I  be at risk of rupturing something? Also is there a diet that I will need to follow that will be benefical for cancer and the Rny? I currently use proasis to help get in my protein . (How in the world am I going to get all the nutrition I will need to get me through cancer when I have such a hard time now!)

Any suggestions or web resources would be really appreciated!  Dove     

When I thought I had breast cancer, I found a very wonderful online community over at breastcancer.org

If you do not dump, you might find that protein shakes with more sugar, for body builders, is a better way of getting in your nourishment. If you have trouble with keeping down foods, you might have to experiment with all of the rules.... drink while eating to allow you to eat more, drink more calories, work every angle.... but some folks end up reacting in different ways, so my suggestion is to work to make sure that you have maximum results based on changing cir****tances.

My thoughts are with you, this is a tough road, particularly with an RNY.

I don't really have any advice, just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. I will be thinking of you over these next months. I hope you can meet with your nutritionist to get some guidance on how to keep up with your nutrition needs while you make this journey. Be well.

Unfortunately I have no advice, but know that my thoughts are with you.  When I was having a hard time getting anything in my mouth I discovered hot tea with a protein bullet in it.  My pouch was happy and I got a little nutrition in! 

From my experience....dairy products during chemo could make you sick. Cottage cheese and cheese and milk and yogurt...ugh. I learned very quickly not to eat them during chemo. You will be thirsty. I would def try some of the fruit punch fruity protein drinks. Those will keep you hydrated and give you the protein you need. Also, start adding extra vits NOW.  Chemo will steal everything from you. 

Don't be afraid to combine conventional chemo with dieatary changes too. It can't hurt. Eating natural whole foods (protein suppliments) will only help your body.  Even if you don't feel like eating, you must. Your body needs the nourishment to fight.  Sleep when you need to. Get others to do the daily chores, shopping, errands, etc. You need to focus on you and healing. You will have great days and some days where you don't feel like moving out of fetal postion. This will be normal. Learn to listen to your body.

There are many wonderful websites and support groups. I didn't have breast cancer, I had cervical and an cancerous eye tumor (2 separate cancers). I suggest finding other breast cancer patients/survivors and getting support, tips, and help from them. You will need people who understand what you are going thru around.

Best wishes for a quick remission. My heart is with you and yours.

xox
Tammy

I am sorry for your diagnosis. You sound like you're on the right track with all your research. I don't know about cancer and RNY, but talk to your doctor and get connected with a good nutritionist. I just spent a few emails today with my nutritionist regarding meds and my pouch irrititation. Best wishes and You can do this with a great support team around you.
Sincerely,
Christie

I know of a man who lost 36 lbs from his chemo treatments. His oncologist put him on a 12 hour IV drip of protein and nutrients that his wife hooked up to his picc line every night at bedtime. She said it took all 12 hours to deliver this IV drip but he has now put on 19 LBS.

I don't know what it is called but I bet your oncologist will.

Wishing you the very best.

So very sorry.  I never had cancer but know some one you got the doctor to write Rx for Marijunana.  You can bake it in something or smoke it.  It helps with the pain,sickness, and to help with you feeling hungry so you can eat more. 

Sorry to hear of your cancer.  You will get through it. Join a breast cancer support group it really helps.  What are your stats?   Not all breast cancer patients need chemo. 

 I am 4 years out from a RNY.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan.  Had Surg in Feb and am half way through chemo.  I have never thrown up from the the chemo just had a little upset stomach.  They give you good meds  to help with this.  The diet that that was recommended is 5-6 small meals a day high in protein.  Stay away from spicy food s and too much fatty foods.  My medical oncologist/hematologists  also works with WLS patients who have vit deficiencies and is knowledgeable about our needs for vit supplements.   I have osteoporosis from calcium malabsorption. and low feritin for iron malabsorption.  He will be treating these. 

Good luck

Deep breath, you will make it through this. Chemo is not fun but they have terrific drugs that really control the nausea and vomiting. I didn't have breast cancer but one of the drugs they gave me for mine is one that is commonly used for breast cancer.

I can't advise you on what to eat. My docs told me to eat whatever I could. I found that I couldn't tolerate of lots of smells; coffee, peanut butter, anything that was strongly scented. I didn't wear any perfumes for a year because I just couldn't handle any odors. Smelling eggs made me want to cry.

I was in patient for three or four days a month while I had chemo and I lived on liquids while I was in the hospital. At home I drank a lot of protein suppliments and ate whatever appealed to me. I ate a lot of fresh fruit and smaller, lighter meals.

This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of finishing all cancer treatments and within a few weeks of completeing treatment all the side effects were fading. You can do this! I will be holding good thoughts for you.

The American Cancer Society says that from the minute we are diagnosed we are survivors. That thought gave me a lot of comfort and helped me handle surgery and radiation and chemo. You are already a survivor, right now you are just taking care of the details. Best of luck to you!