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Topic: About Mammograms following weightloss?
I had GBS in 2006 and have lost and maintained my weight at around 160. Obviously my large breasts are now large hanging sacks of skin... I am almost 36 and had some odd discharge from one breast (blue/green color). I do have one small lump deep in my breast. It difficult to examine and feel due to the condition of my breasts since weight loss. I had a mammogram in which the tech spread my tissues etc, but there was no discomfort or pain. She even commented that I wasn't complaining at all. I am afraid that she did not actually get images of my breast tissue... This was my first mammogram so I don't know what I should have expected, but I know that my actual breast tissue is not much... I had consulted with a PS about reduction and was told that I would have to have implants because the removal of skin/fat tissue would leave me with pretty much nothing. The thinner women in my family do not have large breasts (As maybe Bs) very small... Mine were large due to being overweight.
The results of the mammogram showed normal, so now I am waiting to hear from my doctor. Should I push for further testing? Is this what a mammogram should feel like to those of us with pendulous breasts? Or is it possible that they did not actually image my breasts?
The results of the mammogram showed normal, so now I am waiting to hear from my doctor. Should I push for further testing? Is this what a mammogram should feel like to those of us with pendulous breasts? Or is it possible that they did not actually image my breasts?
Topic: RE: HELP i need some input please.....
Hello, Chatty:
My name is Dee. About six weeks ago, I travelled to Michigan for DS surgery. Unfortunately, when my surgeon, Dr. Hares, opened me up, he found ovarian cancer. Instead of doing the DS, he performed a complete hysterectomy and aggressively removed all signs of cancer from my abdomen. I had a CT scan done five days later and no cancer showed up in the scan.
I was told that I was lucky that the cancer was discovered by a bariatric surgeon working out of a specialized facility. It seems that many gynecological oncologists wouldn't have risked doing surgery on me at 300 lbs.
On August 31, I begin chemo. According to my hematologist, my chances of surviving 5 years are about 50-50. Not great odds, but I am relatively young (45) and prepared to fight.
My point is, my surgeon, Dr. Hares, specializes in patients that weigh over 700 lbs. (To him, I was a "lightweight" at 300 lbs.) If you're looking for a second opinion and are prepared to travel, it might be worthwhile to check him out. He has 30 years' experience as a surgeon. You may find that he's willing to consider doing the hysterectomy and the wls surgery at the same time.
I must say that, since the surgery six weeks ago, I've been feeling great. Despite the cancer diagnosis, my lengthy incision has healed beautifully, with no infection or other problems. I owe my life to my decision to have weight-loss surgery with Dr. Hares, because otherwise the cancer might not have been caught until it was too late for treatment.
That being said, I do hope that you can find a way to get treatment for the cancer sooner rather than later. No one should have to live with the kind of stress that this situation is putting you under, my dear.
Take care and do feel free to vent whenever you need to do so.
D.
My name is Dee. About six weeks ago, I travelled to Michigan for DS surgery. Unfortunately, when my surgeon, Dr. Hares, opened me up, he found ovarian cancer. Instead of doing the DS, he performed a complete hysterectomy and aggressively removed all signs of cancer from my abdomen. I had a CT scan done five days later and no cancer showed up in the scan.
I was told that I was lucky that the cancer was discovered by a bariatric surgeon working out of a specialized facility. It seems that many gynecological oncologists wouldn't have risked doing surgery on me at 300 lbs.
On August 31, I begin chemo. According to my hematologist, my chances of surviving 5 years are about 50-50. Not great odds, but I am relatively young (45) and prepared to fight.
My point is, my surgeon, Dr. Hares, specializes in patients that weigh over 700 lbs. (To him, I was a "lightweight" at 300 lbs.) If you're looking for a second opinion and are prepared to travel, it might be worthwhile to check him out. He has 30 years' experience as a surgeon. You may find that he's willing to consider doing the hysterectomy and the wls surgery at the same time.
I must say that, since the surgery six weeks ago, I've been feeling great. Despite the cancer diagnosis, my lengthy incision has healed beautifully, with no infection or other problems. I owe my life to my decision to have weight-loss surgery with Dr. Hares, because otherwise the cancer might not have been caught until it was too late for treatment.
That being said, I do hope that you can find a way to get treatment for the cancer sooner rather than later. No one should have to live with the kind of stress that this situation is putting you under, my dear.
Take care and do feel free to vent whenever you need to do so.
D.
Denise H: Ovarian cancer survivor & wanna-be DSer.
HW - 384 lbs. / CW - 316 lbs. / GW -140 lbs.
Second consult with Dr. Hares - March 23, 2010 / Met with nurse at TWH - May 4 / Appt with TWH surgeon - July 16 / Hoping for a referral for OOC surgery - TBD
Note: Ticker based on highest weight, not surgery weight.
HW - 384 lbs. / CW - 316 lbs. / GW -140 lbs.
Second consult with Dr. Hares - March 23, 2010 / Met with nurse at TWH - May 4 / Appt with TWH surgeon - July 16 / Hoping for a referral for OOC surgery - TBD
Note: Ticker based on highest weight, not surgery weight.
Topic: RE: HELP i need some input please.....
Hi Chatty! I'm Deb. I am 40 years old and had my gastric bypass 10 months ago. 6 days ago I was diagnosed with uterine cancer and know what you are going through... but I will share with you what was shared with me by the oncologist I saw monday. He said the gastric bypass slowed my cancer growth down. It is an estrogen fed cancer (basically fed by being obese) so with the weight loss.. it lessened my estrogen levels and probably slowed the cancer down. i found that encouraging. I'm not a doctor and can't tell you this all for fact, all I can do is share my story. I am grateful for my bypass and grateful that my cancer has been caught early thanks to a doctor who listens to me and is proactive. if you need someone to talk to, I'm here... and I understand. Best wishes to you... but I would get a second opinion on the cancer surgery... I don't understand why they can't do the hysterectomy at your current weight to help save your life too... but maybe their approach is better... but I would seek a 2nd opinion. Good luck.. and let me know if you need or want someone to talk to... I certainly understand. I am having my hysterectomy on Wed. the 19th.
Deb
Deb
Topic: RE: HELP i need some input please.....
thank you Libby
i appreciate the words of wisdom and i will check into that center...never even thought of doing that..i am been so absorbed on this WLS that nothing else was being thought of... i have lots of fears but im hoping that they will be ok with proper nutrition and exercise..
thanks again.....chatty53
i appreciate the words of wisdom and i will check into that center...never even thought of doing that..i am been so absorbed on this WLS that nothing else was being thought of... i have lots of fears but im hoping that they will be ok with proper nutrition and exercise..
thanks again.....chatty53
Topic: RE: HELP i need some input please.....
Cancer and surgery are indeed a lot to handle, and depression and uncertainty are normal right now.
There are risks involve in any surgery, but the benefits outweigh the risks, especially in your case, it seems.
Some people do have more unpleasant side effects than others, but the majority of people do just fine. Choose a surgeon that has plenty of experience. Ask lots of questions.
Also, if you haven't already, you may want to seek another opinion with regard to treating your uterine cancer too. If you are able, I suggest that you go to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for a consult. They are the number one cancer hospital in the United States - - and your insurance should cover your visit. There is even a service called "Angel Flight" to help fly you out there if you can not afford to fly.
Good luck.
There are risks involve in any surgery, but the benefits outweigh the risks, especially in your case, it seems.
Some people do have more unpleasant side effects than others, but the majority of people do just fine. Choose a surgeon that has plenty of experience. Ask lots of questions.
Also, if you haven't already, you may want to seek another opinion with regard to treating your uterine cancer too. If you are able, I suggest that you go to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for a consult. They are the number one cancer hospital in the United States - - and your insurance should cover your visit. There is even a service called "Angel Flight" to help fly you out there if you can not afford to fly.
Good luck.
Topic: HELP i need some input please.....
Hello im chatty53
i was told by my ob/gyn surgeon that i have uterine cancer and that i need to have a complete hysterectomy now..but the problem is he cant perform the surgery due to my weight is in the way...he said loosing weight slowly is not an option for me cause time is not on my side..he said a yr. to 2
he told me i need a gastric bypass now and then when i loose 100 to 150 lbs he can go in and do the surgery i need to stop this cancer..but not till then..
well i have done all the paperwork and im now waiting on the approval..just turned it in this week.
so what im hearing is it will be a while and also after at least a yr there too..so im cutting close i think..
im having such mixed feelings about this surgery cause of the severity of it all..lots of permanet changes and lots of risks..wow scared to death of maybe loosing my hair or ulcers or bowel problems due to being cut or what about the dumping and incission leaks..wow so much can go wrong..reading the posts i see it does happen more t han i want to admit.
My phychiatrist sent me a copy of what she sent in to my insurance co..and she said im ok to do this and all but im mild depressed and feels i should have more thereapy..she said i am holding my feelings in about the whole thing..
she also says i should talk to my pcp for some meds but at the time of the consult she told me i didnt need medicine cause she felt i could do without it..
she feels with finding out about the cancer and now being forced to do the surgery for wls this is alot to handle..
so i was upset when i read all that..i dont know if the insurance will hold back on me cause of it or require i seek more help first..
i have so many feelings and i think that is depressing me cause i just want to feel at peace and do something..does that sound CRAZY???
well just had to vent how i feel..thanks for listening.
BMI:74.5
i was told by my ob/gyn surgeon that i have uterine cancer and that i need to have a complete hysterectomy now..but the problem is he cant perform the surgery due to my weight is in the way...he said loosing weight slowly is not an option for me cause time is not on my side..he said a yr. to 2
he told me i need a gastric bypass now and then when i loose 100 to 150 lbs he can go in and do the surgery i need to stop this cancer..but not till then..
well i have done all the paperwork and im now waiting on the approval..just turned it in this week.
so what im hearing is it will be a while and also after at least a yr there too..so im cutting close i think..
im having such mixed feelings about this surgery cause of the severity of it all..lots of permanet changes and lots of risks..wow scared to death of maybe loosing my hair or ulcers or bowel problems due to being cut or what about the dumping and incission leaks..wow so much can go wrong..reading the posts i see it does happen more t han i want to admit.
My phychiatrist sent me a copy of what she sent in to my insurance co..and she said im ok to do this and all but im mild depressed and feels i should have more thereapy..she said i am holding my feelings in about the whole thing..
she also says i should talk to my pcp for some meds but at the time of the consult she told me i didnt need medicine cause she felt i could do without it..
she feels with finding out about the cancer and now being forced to do the surgery for wls this is alot to handle..
so i was upset when i read all that..i dont know if the insurance will hold back on me cause of it or require i seek more help first..
i have so many feelings and i think that is depressing me cause i just want to feel at peace and do something..does that sound CRAZY???
well just had to vent how i feel..thanks for listening.
BMI:74.5
Topic: RE: cancer after weight loss...please read and advice
Thank you for posting this. I was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday and had the same questions. I feel much better!
Kristen
Kristen
Topic: RE: Anyone with Thyroid Cancer post RNY? (cross post)
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your very generous reply to my post. I am so sorry to hear of these latest symptoms
you are dealing with. It is scary, I can certainly understand your fears. If I can be of any consolation to you regarding UCSF, I would welcome the opportunity. I am not sure from your post if your "original surgery" that you referenced is to your thyroidectomy or your bariatric surgery. If it is the thyroidectomy, UCSF's Head and Neck Oncology program, part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and located at the Mt Zion campus o****F in SF, CA, is the tops. I can recommend anyone there (David Eisele, MD is head of division) and, most especially, Lisa Orloff, MD, who specializes in thyroid cancers and is world renown. She is also my doc who is following me since I switched from the endocrinologist who did my surgery last year. They are very thorough and comprehensive, not to mention, respectful and caring. As an addition, which I think is essential for this kind of care, Lisa involves the ENT folks for voice and swallowing to make sure the vocal cord can be protected from any additional surgeries or treatments you may have to have. I originally got my surgery done by Orlo Clark, MD at UCSF (Endocrine) , also who trained Lisa Orloff. He has since retired and his colleague, Dr. E. Kebebew, has left to go to NIH. They are being replaced by Dr. Du and Shen, both very good surgeons but part of the Head and Neck Cancer Division but rather General Surgery. May I recommend that you get a consult with Dr. Orloff or, if she is not available, Dr. Eisele, if at all possible?
If I can be of any further help, Please do not hesitate to write. Also, may I recommend a book I found most helpful in coping with cancer and possible recurences- it is called Dancing in Limbo:Making Sense of Life After Cancer by Glenna Halvorson-Boyd and Lisa K. Hunter. Was published in 1995 and you can find used copies on Amazon. An amazing book and Glenna had Head and Neck Cancer....
Know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this time of uncertainty and fear.
All my best,
Karen
Thank you for your very generous reply to my post. I am so sorry to hear of these latest symptoms
you are dealing with. It is scary, I can certainly understand your fears. If I can be of any consolation to you regarding UCSF, I would welcome the opportunity. I am not sure from your post if your "original surgery" that you referenced is to your thyroidectomy or your bariatric surgery. If it is the thyroidectomy, UCSF's Head and Neck Oncology program, part of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and located at the Mt Zion campus o****F in SF, CA, is the tops. I can recommend anyone there (David Eisele, MD is head of division) and, most especially, Lisa Orloff, MD, who specializes in thyroid cancers and is world renown. She is also my doc who is following me since I switched from the endocrinologist who did my surgery last year. They are very thorough and comprehensive, not to mention, respectful and caring. As an addition, which I think is essential for this kind of care, Lisa involves the ENT folks for voice and swallowing to make sure the vocal cord can be protected from any additional surgeries or treatments you may have to have. I originally got my surgery done by Orlo Clark, MD at UCSF (Endocrine) , also who trained Lisa Orloff. He has since retired and his colleague, Dr. E. Kebebew, has left to go to NIH. They are being replaced by Dr. Du and Shen, both very good surgeons but part of the Head and Neck Cancer Division but rather General Surgery. May I recommend that you get a consult with Dr. Orloff or, if she is not available, Dr. Eisele, if at all possible?
If I can be of any further help, Please do not hesitate to write. Also, may I recommend a book I found most helpful in coping with cancer and possible recurences- it is called Dancing in Limbo:Making Sense of Life After Cancer by Glenna Halvorson-Boyd and Lisa K. Hunter. Was published in 1995 and you can find used copies on Amazon. An amazing book and Glenna had Head and Neck Cancer....
Know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this time of uncertainty and fear.
All my best,
Karen
Topic: RE: Anyone with Thyroid Cancer post RNY? (cross post)
Hi - I too had thyroid cancer. I had a thyroidectomy (sp?) back in 2005. Two radioactive ablations and yearly PET scans. This year and this month I had my yearly PET scan and I have a .5 cm lesion on the right side of my neck and two lymph nodes on the left lite up and the back of my tongue lite up as well as the back of my throat. I'm scared. They are sending me back to UCSF to my original surgeon who did the original surgery. I don't know what to think. It's very scary to think that after all this time, it's back again........
Topic: RE: 1 year post op, 5 lbs to goal, and diagnosed with breast cancer!
I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and had a bilateral mastectory and chemotherapy. During my chemo treatments I lost weight, even while taking the anti-nausea drugs. My cancer was hormonal, though, and after chemo I was put on tamoxifen, which made me gain the weight right back.
I only had weight loss surgery (lap-band) one month ago, because I had to wait two years from the end of the cancer treatment to have the surgery. I am still on tamoxifen, and have lost 15 pounds this first month, so I think it all depends on your own system. My oncologist said that I will probably lose weight at a slower-than-normal rate while on tamoxifen, but that's OK with me, as long as I lose!
Hope everything works out for you!
I only had weight loss surgery (lap-band) one month ago, because I had to wait two years from the end of the cancer treatment to have the surgery. I am still on tamoxifen, and have lost 15 pounds this first month, so I think it all depends on your own system. My oncologist said that I will probably lose weight at a slower-than-normal rate while on tamoxifen, but that's OK with me, as long as I lose!
Hope everything works out for you!
Aili
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