darla47
February 2005
I suddenly decided to go ahead and have a gastric bypass surgery for weight loss after battling for years with my weight. A coworker had previously had this surgery which we had talked about briefly a few years earlier, and I have read multiple articles regarding this surgery, I knew I needed to do a little more research.
July, 2005
Since all my doctors were at Northwestern Memorial Hospital already, I knew that I wanted to have my surgery done there. So within the NMH website, I did a search on physicians who performs gastric bypass and Dr. Nagle’s name came up. I did additional research on Dr. Nagle and I was very impressed with his work record and articles that he either wrote or co-wrote. I called his office and was told by the receptionist that I should go through the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Wellness Center and meet with the doctor, nutritionist and psychologist first, but she would make sure that Dr. Nagle would be my surgeon. The receptionist informed me that she would be sending me some information and an email from Dr. Nagle’s office. I said good enough and the Wellness Center is where I went. I made an appointment for sometime in August. I was on my way
August 2005
I met with met with the Wellness Center Doctor. She asked me why I decided to go for gastric bypass, and all I could tell her was that it was something I had to do. Anyway, she examined me and asked some more questions. Afterwards, she told me she felt that I was a very good candidate. Then she went over the specifics about the program and who I would have to meet. She said I would first have to meet with a psychologist, then a nutritionist , and then the surgeon.
September 2005
I met with the psychologist on September 23, 2005 and he basically asked me the same questions as the Wellness Center Doctor….why now. I was totally honest with him and told him I did not know, but again, it is something that I had to do. We talked about my childhood and the fact that I was always a fat child; I told him that I now realize that food had somehow became my best friend; the time I went on a fad diet and lost 65 pounds (which I gained all back and then some. We talked about a few other things regarding my childhood and he agreed with the Wellness Center Doctor that I would be a good candidate for the surgery, but he did say that he would like to talk with me more and I said I probably would come back and talk. So, now it was on to the nutritionist.
On September 26, 2005 I met with the nutritionist. We talked about my eating habits, old and new. She explained that now is a good time to start implementing the new way of eating and writing down everything I eat. We talked more about the program and how much I will benefit from it. And so all were in agreement that I was a good candidate. At this point I felt I had made a positive decision.
October 2005
On October 19, 2005, I met with Wellness Center Doctor again for an examination. We talked for a while and she told me she would be forwarding my papers over to Dr. Nagle’s office. Needless to say, I was a little nervous because it's starting to feel real.
November-December 2005
I started my surgical classes on November 3, 2005. Received a lot of information and encouragements. I also saw my primary physician and I informed her that I had decided to have the surgery, she was thrilled.
My second surgical class was on December 2, 2006 and I received even more vital information and instructions, as well as helpful hints which I started incorporating my family into my new lifestyle.
On December 9, 2005 I received an email from Dr. Nagle’s office telling me about Emmi. Emmi is a computer program that teaches you about the surgery and the risk. If you have questions for the doctor, you are able to ask while in the program and when you get to your doctor’s office, he already has the information containing your questions and/or concerns.
On December 21, 2005 I finally met my surgeon. I have to say that I was nervous because he asked the nurse if he could talk to me first. I thought maybe he was going to tell me I was still to fat for the surgery and I needed to lose quite a bit of weight before he could do anything for me. But you know, he was not like that at all. He introduced himself to me with an outstretched hand and a big smile. He went over the whole procedure of the RNY (Lap), surgery and the risk. He told me he would know when he was in surgery with me if he could do laparoscopy or would have do an open surgery. I listened to him and decided that I had picked the right surgeon. He also asked me if I was sure that this is what I really wanted to do and if I had any questions or concerns. I truly felt that Dr. Nagle had answered all my questions and had quieted any concerns. He told me the next step was getting approval from the insurance company.
January 2006
We are now playing the waiting game with the insurance company. All of my important information was sent to the insurance company from the surgeon’s office. It’s a good thing that I am a very patient person. I’m not knocking my insurance company, I think they are great and have been great throughout my journey, but keep in mind, that I did call them every week to check the status of my approval for surgery. In the meantime, I’m still going to my surgical classes. Finally, I received a call from my insurance company and I’m approved. I immediately called Dr. Nagle’s office and spoke with his staff member that takes care of the insurance and was told as soon as I get my letter, I am to fax her a copy. I am well on my way.
February 2006
I’m still doing my surgical classes. In the meantime, I’m waiting to hear from Dr. Nagle’s scheduling nurse regarding a surgical date. My surgery was scheduled for May 2, 2006. The scheduling nurse said he would send me instructions as to what I needed to do regarding getting my pre-op tests. Once I received this information, I started making my calls for the various tests that Dr. Nagle requested (i.e. cardiology, pulmonary, x-ray and blood tests). I saw the cardiologist the last week in February and she cleared me for surgery.
March 2006
I just finished my last surgical class and have scheduled my pre-op class for sometime in April. I’m getting more excited about my surgery, and maybe a little nervous too. My mother and my sister made it clear that they did not want me to have the surgery, but would support my decision to have it. I can’t ask for more than that.
April 2006
Pre-op class. I brought along my mother and sister for support and also if they have any questions or concerns, now would be a good time to speak up. The scheduling nurse from Dr. Nagle's office would be there, the nutritionist and the nurse who would be involved in taking care of me. I received instructions regarding the surgery and was told if there were any insurance papers to be filed out, to just drop them off or fax it and it would taken care of. The nutritionist informed me about what I should eat after surgery and after I get home. All I can say is BABY FOOD! But I did understand that my new stomach would be about the size of an egg (compared to the size it is right now, an extremely large watermelon).
In the meantime, I’m getting my chest x-ray and my pre-op blood tests as well as my pulmonary function test done. Everything is becoming so real now. I know that whatever the reason that got me to this point, it is the right thing to do.
I passed my pulmonary function test with flying colors. Now I am on my way to meet with the anesthesiologist who went over the risks involved and informed me that I would be going to intensive care right after surgery because of my many medical problems (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea). April 11, 2006. I am now done and am awaiting Tuesday, May 2, 2006, my surgical date. We are almost there.
I got a call from the Wellness Center Doctor and she informed me that my pre-op blood test showed that my hemoglobin is lower than it was in November 2005. She sounded quite concerned to me. She wanted me to see the hematologist to have it checked again. I wasn’t concerned really because I had been taking iron pills since November 2005. The Wellness Center Doctor told me to call the hematologist and make an appointment. She also told me that this does not mean that the surgery was postponed (I wasn’t thinking that at all), but before I could call and make my appointment, the Hematology/Oncology office called me and had already scheduled me to come in that afternoon. Okay, I may be a little worried now.
I saw the hematologist and we talked for a while. She informed me that my blood work showed that I might be bleeding somewhere and she wanted to do another type of blood test. After having that done, I felt all my tests were done and the next week and a half, I will have my surgery. I am very excited.
It is now approximately one week before my surgery. I get a call from my primary physician. She informed me that she is having her nurse schedule me for a consultation with the gastrointestinal doctor because my blood tests still show that there is a problem. I asked what will the gastrointestinal doctor do, and she said she wanted me to have a colonoscopy and that they are going to try to get it done this week so that everything will be in by Monday before my surgery. Not happy with this, but knew it had to be done.
I Met with the gastrointestinal doctor for a consult. He said he knew that my surgery was for May 2, 2006 so he would try to speed up the process so this test would not interfere with my surgery. Then his nurse came in with Dr. Nagle’s nurse because the only day he could do it is (yep you guessed it) May 2, 2006. I was heartbroken. The scheduling nurse said that he was sorry and he had a new surgery date for me of June 21, 2006. I told my family about it and as usual, they were very supportive as well as concerned. I kept telling them it’s probably just an ulcer (I worry too much sometimes).
May 2006
May 1, 2006 -- the day before my test. there's this medicine that I must prepare and drink the day before the colonoscopy. It is not a nice drink. It’s about 4 liters of very nasty medicine that you add water and one flavor pack of your choice (they give you five). You have to drink it every 15 minutes starting at 4:00 pm. Also, you can only eat or drink broth and jello and no red jello. Not a pretty picture. You start going to the bathroom after 30 minutes of drinking this potion. I made an announcement that the bathroom was off limits until further notice. I won’t get anymore graphic than this, but I think you get the picture.
It is now May 2, 2006 and it is time for my test. I am to report to the GI Lab by 10:30 am. While I was getting prepped, I was told that as far as having this test is concerned, the worst is over because drinking that potion is the worst part of it. I agreed. So I got my I.V. in and now I'm just waiting for them to take me into the procedure room. (Okay, now I am a little nervous).
When I get to the procedure room gastrointestinal doctor was there along with another doctor and one nurse. I was helped into my bed and was instructed to lay on my left side and to make myself comfortable. I was given the consent form to read and sign and received instructions as to what was going to happen. The gastrointestinal doctor talked to me about the test. The nurse started pushing the sedation into the I.V. I asked her how long would it take for me to fall asleep, and she responded “not long.” Well, the next thing I know, I heard the other doctor say “Ms. Wade, can you roll on your back a little?” I said okay. When I turned, I saw a small TV and a picture of something that I wasn’t sure what it was. I asked them if they knew that I was not sleep and they said that they knew and it was okay. I did not understand that because I thought I was going to be sleep. Anyway, I asked what was that on the TV screen and was told it was my colon and a polyp was attached to it. A sample was taken and gastrointestinal doctor told me to stop by his office and talk with his nurse so I could be scheduled for a CT Scan as soon as possible. He reiterated this more than once. By the time I got to his office, his nurse had scheduled me for the very next day. (Okay, I am a little more nervous).
The gastrointestinal doctor had promised that he would call me as soon as he received the results of my test. It is now May 4, 2006. I knew that I would be hearing from him soon, but I decided not to dwell on this and just do my work. Well, I got the call. The doctor told me that he had good news and bad news. I asked for the bad news first. “Yes, its cancer.” I don’t believe I heard anything else he was saying. I asked him to repeat it. “Yes, its cancer, but it did not spread to the stomach, but the polyp will have to be removed so I need you to call Dr. Nagle’s office and schedule an appointment with him as soon as possible.” I said okay. I felt like I was in a daze.
I called Dr. Nagle’s office and got an appointment for Monday May 15, 2006. His nurse informed me that Dr. Nagle had surgeries scheduled, but he could see me between surgeries. I said okay.
Monday, May 15, 2006 I met with Dr. Nagle. He informed me that he could not do the gastric bypass at this time because of my new issue. Dr. Nagle went over what had transpire, as well as what the procedure would be. Dr. Nagle explained that what started as a pre-op blood test showed more of an issue. I was found to have an iron deficiency which prompted the reason for the colonoscopy which is how they found the polyp. He also said that he would check my liver, remove the polyp along with my right colon and appendix. If my gallbladder looked okay, he would not remove it. Dr. Nagle said that he will remove as many lymph nodes as he can to make sure the cancer had not spread out into the lymph nodes. He even drew me a picture. (I like pictures). He explained all the risks. He asked me how soon did I want to do this, and I told him as soon as possible. He indicated that he was extremely booked, but his nurse, would find something for me. Dr. Nagle told me not to worry, I was in good hands and that he would take care of me (he said it with a smile, and I believed him). His nurse came in and gave me a date of May 22, 2006. I now have one week to get myself together and prepare for this surgery. This week will go fast. There won’t be much time to process this whole cancer thing, but this is something that must be done. And, I have to let my whole family know what is going to happen and how soon.
May 22, 2006.
We are now on our way to the hospital. I am very nervous, I say a silent prayer and take a deep breath. God is with me and my family is with me. I know I will be fine.
It is exactly one hour until my surgery. I have changed into my expensive hospital gown. The anesthesiologist comes in to talk with me. She informs me that since I have sleep apnea she will put the tube in me while I am still awake. (Not happy about this).
Dr. Nagle comes in to make a mark on my abdomen (I'm not sure why). So it was time. I give one last kiss to my family. Although my mother has a big smile on her face, I know she was just as nervous as I am. I'm now being rolled into the operating room.
I'm not sure exactly what time it is, but I woke up in recovery room. Still had the tube down my throat and I was tied down. (I don't know why, but I am really not happy about this). After a while they finally remove the tube and untie me. I did get a chance to see my family a few minutes (in between my dozing off). Dr. Nagle also came in and told me the surgery went well, my liver looked fine and that he had removed 40 lymph nodes. We should know the results from the pathologist in a few days (and he had that wonderful smile on his face). I smiled at him and went back to sleep.
I have to tell you about my hospital stay. Due to the fact that I had 5 or 6 little incisions and one large open wound in my abdomen, I had a lot of pain, but I was getting pain medication that I could administer myself via a push button pump. Once I found out that I could not overdose and that I could give myself the pain medication every 15 minutes, I was happy.
After spending the night in recovery (there was no beds in ICU), I was taken to my room. The nurse informed me that she would be getting me up and in a chair and then walk me later. She also asked me on a scale of 1-10, what was my pain level. I told her 12.
I have to admit, the nurses were very attentive. I was really taken care of and I felt like a swollen queen. Dr. Nagle came to see me every single day I was in the hospital. He brought with him some of his surgical team and they were just as nice as Dr. Nagle. The question of the day, when the doctors made their rounds, was "Ms Wade, have you passed gas yet?" For 3 days, my answer was no. And you know what, I never knew how important passing gas was, but when I finally did, it was pure relief. So I was bumped up to a liquid diet which consisted of jello, broth, tea and a popsicle. I enjoyed the popsicle and the broth. The next question of the day was "did you have a bowel movement yet?" My famous answer was no. Another task that I realized how important it was.
By the fifth day, Dr. Nagle came in asked if I thought that I was ready to go home. I said yes. Dr. Nagle told me that he wanted to see me in 2 weeks. I asked him about the pathology report regarding the lymph nodes. He informed me that out of 40 lymph nodes removed, the cancer had spread to just one, and I would have to have chemotherapy for six months. (I know, it could have been worse). I was to make an appointment to see the Oncologist in about 3 weeks. I was discharged Memorial Day Weekend.
June 2006
I came in for a post-op visit with Dr. Nagle. He was pleased at the way I was healing. We also talked about specific changes in my bowel habits (again, I will be no more graphic than that, but note this, there was a really BIG change). We also talked about the cancer a little and starting my chemotherapy (something I was not looking forward to doing). I thanked Dr. Nagle for taking such good care of me before and after my surgery.
Meeting the Oncologist
I met with the oncologist on June 23, 2006. We went over my surgery and how I was healing. We also talked about cancer staging. the oncologist told me I was stage III, which I am told is better than stage IV. We also talked about the chemotherapy, PIC-line versus a Porta Cath. I chose the Porta Cath. The doctor also informed me that I will start my chemotherapy in three weeks and will do this every 2 weeks for 6 months.
July 21, 2006 was my first dose of chemotherapy. I had decided that this was something I really needed to do alone. I asked my mother not to go with me, although I knew that she wanted to, but she accepted my decision. I wasn't trying to be brave because I really was scared. I didn't really know what to expect. I arrived at the hospital at 9:00 am. I checked in with the clerk at the desk. They were moving patients along pretty fast. And then, it was my turn.
I was told that first they would draw blood. After they received the results then my chemo would start. So far, I am dealing with this information. I waited what seemed to be a very long time, when the nurse called me in to get started. In my room was a bed and a chair. I opted for the bed (I might as well make myself comfortable). First I received the medicine for nausea, but it was too late because my stomach already had butterflies in it. After that medicine was completed, the chemo started. The only way I can describe the feeling I was having is completely sick to my stomach with a taste in my mouth as if I had just sucked on a piece of metal. As I laid there in bed, trying to focus on what was on the TV, I started thinking that I really should have had someone here, at least for the first time. At this point, I felt this was one of the worst times in my life. I knew I would be nauseated, but I did not know that it would be so intense. And, I have to do this for six very long months. I'll never forget this day.
What seemed like a lifetime, but it was only 4 hours, the nurse came in to unhook me from the IV pole and hook me up to my little friend, my chemo pack to wear home for the next 3 days. I was given a full dose of something regarding the chemo, then something to help boost my iron. I am taped up pretty tight with a long tube running from my chest down to a little black bag with the little machine feeding me the chemo. I know that I have to do this. I have to stay positive, but it is not easy.
As I left the cancer center, I truly felt that I had the word cancer stamped across my forehead. I tried to conceal the tube and my port, but you could still see it. I guess I was still trying to process everything. Your body goes through so many different emotions that is totally unbelievable. Sometimes I'm depressed and crying or I'm irritable. I have to figure out a way to get a grip on all this.
As I got into my second and third dose of chemotherapy I noticed that the second dose was a little easier than the first, but the third was much easier than the second. I have noticed that by the Tuesday after my chemo, I am feeling a little tired, but okay. I have decided that on the Mondays after chemo I will try to work half days (come in at a later time). Everyone at work has been very understanding and continue to offer words of encouragement, which I greatly appreciate.
I saw my favorite doctor this month. I had my last post-op visit with Dr. Nagle. He asked if I had started chemotherapy yet. I told him yes, and it was very intense. He explained to me that I have to remember that they are pushing a lot of medication in me and your body will react accordingly. We also talked about the gastric bypass surgery. I asked him how long after my chemotherapy end will I have to wait to have the surgery. He suggested that we could talk about it in late Spring 2007 because he wanted to make sure all the chemo was out of my body by then. I may wait until the end of the summer though to even discuss it because I want to make sure too. And, although I have lost quite a bit of weight, (because of the chemo diet), it still may not be enough.
September 2006
I am still going through the chemotherapy. I have good days and I have bad days. I'm afraid the bad is starting to out weigh the good, but at least I'm still positive. I have noticed that it is taking me a little longer to bounce back the week after chemotherapy. I'm not as nausea, but I am very tired, but this is to be expected. As long as I can still work, I'm doing okay. I am so thankful for my job and my coworkers. It seems like everyday someone is asking how I am holding up. It is so nice to know that someone cares.
Learning that I had colon cancer, or just the word cancer itself has changed my way of thinking about my life and how I was living it. I don't know what next year holds for me. I don't know whether it will be a repeat of this year regarding the cancer, but I'm not going to continue to let it take over my whole life. Yes, chemotherapy is hard and it makes me sick and tired, but there are days that I do feel better.
Update:
I have another consult with Dr. Nagle on June 6, 2007 regarding the RNY. (I did lose some weight, but not enough). I will let everyone know when I get my new surgical date.
I had my surgery on Monday, July 30, 2007 @ 07:30 am. I have to say that I am so glad that this part is over. The surgery went very well. I did have to stay in ICU overnight, but it was okay. Dr. Nagle came in the next day and told me about the surgery. He said it took a little longer than expected because of scar tissue from my surgery last year, but everything is fine. I went home on 8/2/07 with the JP tubes still in place, but Dr. Nagle told me that he would remove them when I come in for my post-op follow-up on August 8, 2007.
