Family history of stomach/colon cancer
Hello, friends. Happy Tuesday.
Just wondering if anyone here has had any issues moving forward with appointments and the surgery because of a family history of stomach or colon cancer. I read somewhere that VSG is a better option for people in terms of cancer because it doesn't leave a big portion of the stomach "blind" like RNY does, but I'm a little afraid that they'll tell me "Well, you can't have surgery if you might get stomach cancer someday."
Thoughts or input?
I'm not able to comment on the stomach cancer history much. The best I can suggest is to start, and ask questions like that at your first appointment. They won't be able to comment on your specific case (as I think the first appointment is the Orientation) but they can give you a general idea.
The closest I come for family history with stomach cancer was my Grandmother. I went through, and I'm sure I would have mentioned it. I am almost 4 years post op with a RNY.
I wish you well on your journey.
Cathy
I agree with poster above. Keep asking that same question at all your appointments. Not just the first. (They see so many people and will forget). Also it can't hurt to do your own research.
My family has a genetic disorder that is linked to a higher risk of colon cancer, ovarian, stomach, etc. I found this out AFTER I had RNY. But even if there is a family history cancer is still so random.
GL!
REFERRED: June 19, 2013, ORIENTATION: September 23, 2013,1st SURGEON (Dr. KLEIN) APPT. October 10, 2013 RN / SW / NUT: December 20, 2013 DR. GLAZER: January 7, 2014 2nd SW / NUT: February 14, 2013, 2nd SURGEON (Dr. KLEIN) APPT. March 31, 2014, 2nd APPT. DR. GLAZER: February 4, 2015 PATTS: February 19, 2015 SURGERY: March 13, 2015
I have a very strong paternal history of stomach cancer but that fact didn't seem to really impact the surgeon's decision but I was very verbal about reminding them about this history. The main reason I was given the sleeve is because I have ulcerative colitis. My sister was able to get a sleeve based on the family history, she went through Guelph. So I don't know how much rhyme & reason there is, like the others have said you need to be your own advocate.