another way WLS has saved my life!!!

Hi all my OH friends..... I have been MIA for a couple of weeks and am now ready to share what's been going on with me. I had my weight loss surgery March 20, 2006. I have lost 155 pounds. As I got thinner I was feeling bones and other things I hadn't felt in many years. About 3 weeks ago, I felt a bump in my groin area and then a few days later felt another lump on the other side. I went to my PCP to have them checked.....maybe it was normal, just something I hadn't been able to feel all the years I had been obese. To make a long story short, I have been through many tests and scans and biopsies.......and yes, it is a stage 4 cancer......which really means the cancer they found in the inguinal lymph node in the groin is not where the cancer originated. Where it originated from the doctors are still not quite sure. The PET scan only pinpointed the lymph nodes. I am now seeing one of the leading gynocological oncologists around..... Dr Jeffery Skilling at Kaiser Sacramento. He will be doing surgery on me this afternoon to remove the lymph nodes and because of my family history, will also doing a total hysterectomy........ and whatever else he can find. Then about the first of July I will begin chemotherapy. I truly believe that had I not had the WLS this could have been a MUCH worse story today. 2 years ago it would have been impossible to have felt anything under all my fat!!! Now I am thinner and have an absolutely wonderful chance of overcoming this. Please remember me and my family in your prayers in the next few days. I expect to be in the hospital probably until next Tuesday. I will have my daughter, Annastacia try to post something for me in the meantime. I don't know what I'd do withour your support. Thank you ALL sooo much!!!!!

Laura!! You are in my prayers, hang in there! I am so greatful you caught it-- imagine, like you said if you had still been over weight, and unable to feel the lumps! Keep us updated ok? ((( Hugs ))) Darlene

Laura, Thanks for putting a positive spin on what must be a very trying time in your life. I am glad you found this early and it is treatable. I will pray for the best outcome for you and ask for strength for your family and others in your support network. Please let us know when you are okay and feel free to share your struggles. Thinking of you, Rick

Oh Laura, please know we are all here for you. I am so sorry you are having to go through this, but thank goodness you found it. Many prayers are going up for you. God bless you and please let us know how it is going. Hugs to you, Barbara

Laura, Thank you for sharing with us so that we can keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you as you have surgery and recover. Your positive attitude will be a huge help in the recovery process! We will be with you in spirit. Big hugs, Stephanie

I'm praying for you and your family during this difficult time Marsha

Laura, You are in my prayers. Wow, it is amazing where this WLS journey will take us. I hope and pray that this will be the beginning of healing from cancer and that you will be even healthier (and cancer free) for having lost the weight. I am sure that your positive attitude will make a huge difference. You have a lot ahead of you but it will all work out to your best. Hang in there and thanks for sharing this with us. I won't stop praying... Hugs, Robin

You'll be in our thoughts for quick recovery. Wishing you all the best. Please let us know how you are doing.

I will be praying for your smooth treatment and quick recovery! God Bless you and your family during these trying times. Love, Mary

Wow, I'm almost speechless! I will be thinking about you for the next few days until we hear word that you're home and feeling better... It is amazing how we are rediscovering our bodies through this journey, after hiding for so long under our layers of fat. It is scary to realize that had you not had WLS, you would have progressed further and further into your cancer, clueless about it... I have much respect for your strength... *hugs* Rebecca M.