Question:
How does chemo therapy affect long term wls patients?
Just found out Friday that I'm going to have a complete hysterectomy. In the course of minutes, I also discovered 3 small masses in my right breast with black/opaque discharge from the nipple. I then had to have numerous lab tests including a mammogram and breast ultrasound. I'll be finding out more information hopefully Monday or Tuesday. I'll be finding out next Friday when my hysterectomy surgery will be scheduled. Since breast cancer is rampant in my mother's side of the family the chances are pretty good that I'll be following in their footsteps. Does anyone know anyone else that's had to have chemo/radiation therapy after wls? I'm 5 years and 2 months post op. Thanks. — Leigh G. (posted on January 26, 2008)
January 26, 2008
I don't have any information regarding the chemo/radiation. I just wanted
to say that I wish you the best of luck with your dr. appts. next week.
Teresa
— teresasmiles
January 26, 2008
I also don't have any answers on the chemo, but just wanted to say I'm
sorry you have to go through this and I will add you to my prayers! Keep
the faith--it's good that ya'll caught everything now! God bless!
— crystalsno
January 26, 2008
Leigh, I am so sorry you are going through all this, but it sounds like you
and the docs are on top of it. Please know you are in our prayers. Pat
— pjennjr
January 26, 2008
Like the rest of the posts, I do not have any info on this personally. But
a good dietitian would have information for you. I suggest you find a
registered dietitian and start consultations as soon as possible. Best
wishes to you.
— JStangel
January 26, 2008
Leigh,
I have a friend who is about 1 1/2 years post WLS who about 5 months ago
found out she has thyroid cancer. She has had surgery and is currently
doing chemo. I believe also radiation therapy. If you would like I can
contact her and have her get in touch with you.
I will add you to my prayers.
Blessings,
Kim
— itsjust4me
January 27, 2008
Positive thoughts coming your way. I had a Complete hysterectomy, and Ive
never felt better. Its so nice not to have cramps or periods anymore.
— Jasnsma
January 27, 2008
I asked my wife a cancer RN, and RNY post op herself. It shouldnt be a
problem its just a matter of taking in enough nutrition, they prefer cancer
patients dont get too thin. Sorry this is happening, and best wishes for a
full recovery
— bob-haller
January 27, 2008
Hi Leigh, thanks for writing and being so up front about your discoveries.
That had to completely take you by surprise with so much at once. I hope
that your surgeries go very well. I don't have any experience with chemo
and wls, but I am almost 4 years out, and if I found out I had cancer I
would visit my wls surgeon right away (prior to surgery if I could) and
speak with her, get her advice on where to get information about wls and
chemo and start doing research. I would ask my local hospital for help in
my research (we have a research division that will send you information, I
found this when my brother in law was diagnosed with duodenal cancer, they
helped me very well). I would also visit the oncology department and ask
who has experience with wls patients and cancer in my area (breast in your
case), and see if they have some information for me. I think there are a
few things you might want to consider. First, that if you have chemo, you
may have a loss of appitite, so you have to convince yourself prior to
surgery or chemo that you need to eat. Find foods you can eat, and be
determined to keep trying. You probably need to up your vitamin sources,
and perhaps go liquid for better absorption as chemo may also cause
absorption problems (I am guessing). Keep your fluids up, good fluids like
water and milk, even a little juice. The healthier you go into surgery,
the better your chances for recovery and fighting the affects of chemo or
radiation. Also, I do have a word about your hysterectomy. You don't say
why you need one, or what your issues are, but I have had one of them, and
I would guess they are planning to remove your ovaries? Most do. It is an
individual decision, but please don't let them take your ovaries because
they want to, let it be your decision. Taking your ovaries removes all
your harmone sources and puts you smack in the middle of menopause. They
want to deal with that by giving you harmones to suppliment. You already
said you have a big history of breast cancer, and this is an issue with
these harmones that they want to give you. They will try and convince you
that you "might" bet ovarian cancer, and it is true, you may if
your ovaries are not removed. Here is the thing. If you are supposed to
get ovarian cancer, and your ovaries are not there, it just routes to
another organ in the body, there is no guarantees with cancer, none. If
you are pre-disposed to it, removing your ovaries won't necessarily stop
you from getting it. You do what is best for you, I sincerely mean that,
but for me I fought to keep my ovaries, and it was one of the best
decisions I have ever made for myself medically. I told them that if they
were diseased, they could take them, but if they were fine, then leave them
alone. They asked me several times, and even the day of surgery tried to
convince me otherwise, but I stood my ground, and was so glad I did. It
may not be right for you, but I urge you to do research and make that
decision for yourself before you let them take them out. I wish you well
and hope that things are not nearly as serious as they seem. You are a
smart girl to face it head on. Take care. Patricia P.
— Patricia P
January 27, 2008
Hi Leigh,
I'm sorry that I don't have wonderful insight to offer regarding your chemo
question. I did want to take a moment to let you know that you're not
alone in your journey. I'll keep you in my prayers...and remember that God
always keeps you close in his arms.
Good luck, and may you find out that it's not as serious as you're
thinking.
— tonidaniels913
January 27, 2008
I am so sorry you are going to have to be dealing with this. My thoughts
and prayers are with you.
— Carlyn M.
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