I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in December, and had surgery in January. I've been through six chemo treatments. My last cat scan came back clear, and my exam was clean, but my CA-125 went up from 70 to 80. My doctor decided to watch my levels, and give me Avastin from the drug study I'm on, and not chemo last week. If my levels keep going up, he's going to try a different kind of chemo, but I hope it was just a blip on the radar. How long did it take for your hair to grow back after chemo? I have peach fuzz now. I had RNY Lap two years ago, and lost 145 pounds and am at goal. Good luck to you, both on your remission, and your lap band surgery. Joni

Congratulations on your great news!!! A clean bill of health is a wonderful bill to get! Best of luck on your up coming surgery. You will be on the losing side before you know it. Heather

Marsha, I have had Thyroid Cancer, but not AFTER the RNY, I am hoping to have that soon (July). I had thyroid cancer, that had metasisized to my lymph glands so I too had a total thyroidectomy and the radiation, but this was about 26 years ago, when the radiation was fairly new, I ended up with burns on my stomach and back and lost quite a bit of hair. You will be exhausted completely and totally, start a calendar where you can X off the days you have already made it. Don't forget your multi-vitamin, and remember EVERYTHING will slow down, your heart rate, digestive system, your brain function. Take care of you and rest and sleep as much as possible, your body can get small amounts of energy, even though it is fitting so hard. I would be happy to talk with you any time, just know there are many of us out here who have been through this and we will help if we can. Linda Bell

Hi Marsha, Im sorry to hear you are having a tough time! I had thyroid cancer (papulary with folicular varient) when I was 27, however, I am waiting on WLS, so I can't answer any questions about Thy CA post WLS. I had surgery in october 1997 to remove my entire thyroid, then about 6 weeks later I had the radiation and spent 3 days in isolation until i was safe enough to be around other people again. Yes, the low iodine diet SUCKS!!!! Between the diet and the side effects of becoming increasingly hypo, i spent a lot of time being a ***** crying and sleeping! I havent had to do a scan in a couples years though. The last time I had my body scan, the doctors gave me a pill (or a shot, i cant remember) that replaced the need to go on the low iodine diet. I don't think I had to go off my synthroid either. You may want to ask your doctor about it. My current oncologist said I wont have to do another body scan unless my blood work gives him reason for concern...or they find a lump. I am 8 years out and I see my oncologist once a year for follow up, bloodwork and a chest xray and I am also being followed by an endocrinologist whom I see him every 3 to 6 months. If you ever want to talk, do not hesitate to email me (my email link is in my profile). Heather

Hi Marsha. No. I haven't been through this, but I wanted you to know that I am thinking about you. Cancer is a scary thing, but you are not alone. Do let us know how you're doing. Peg