Question:
I was diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer 12 years ago.

I was at stage 2-B for squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Further tests indicated the cancer had spread to the lymphatic system and I had to have abdominal exploratory surgery. This surgery, called a para-aeortic node dissection, indicated the cancer had not spread, but the surgery (almost 7.5 hours long) was so extensive that it even included liver biopsy and abdominal washings. I was treated with 6 weeks or radiation and 2 cesium implants. I have had one minor reoccurance that was treated by freezing the affected area. I had open RNY distal WLS a little over a year ago. I ended up with multiple complications. In fact, I was in the OR 8 times in 7 months. I feel great now, I'm less than 20 lb from goal. I would like to hear from other cervical cancer survivors who've had WLS. Just how you're doing, if you had complications, etc. Also, I hope I don't frighten anyone who has had cancer and is considering WLS. My complications were very unique and probably would not happen to anyone else. Thank you.    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 25, 2000)

January 13, 2003
I, too, had cervical cancer and was treated with 6 weeks of radiation & implant. Today, at my consultation with my surgeon, he expressed concern over the possibility of complications in healing at the reattachment site stating that the radiation weakens the blood flow to areas which have been radiated. He stated as result, should I have the surgery, "I may be very sick for a very long time" and that I was at a much greater risk for bowel leakage. I would like to hear of your experience and complications. What puzzles me most is that there were no questions asking if there had ever been any abdominal radiation - I mentioned the discovery of cancer during the pathology after my hysterectomy surgery and the radiation therapy which followed. If there is deep concern, it would seem questions would appear in the pre-op paperwork. Thank you for your help!
   — Pat B.