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Topic: Thyroid Cancer
Has anyone had Thyroid Cancer after RNY Gastric Bypass?? Having to deal with the low-idodine diet and try to get in enough protein has been a nightmare. Next month, I go through the whole body scan to see if the cancer has spread, then I have a does of radioactive iodine to kill any remaining cancer cells. In the meantime, I'll become totally hypothyroid and become exhausted 
fun, fun!
If anyone has been through this...please share your experience.
fun, fun!
If anyone has been through this...please share your experience. 
Topic: RE: Hi! Indiana Breast Cancer Survivor here (-:
HI, I know how you feel. In April of 2000 I had a lumpectomy on my left breast. One month later I had a second surgery to remve additional tissue and the lymph nodes under my left arm. I had 5 weeks of radiation therapy. I was put on Tamoxifin to help prevent a reoccurence. After almost 4 yrs on Tamoxifin I developed a blood clot which went to my lung. At my last mamogram a lump showed up on my right breast. I went back for a spot compression mamogram, lump showed again. Had an ultrasound, lump showed again. So now I have to have it biopsied. Its hard to get past the fright. I hope and pray that things work out for you. Pat G 
Topic: RE: Kidney Cancer
I am sorry you had a rough time with your cancer surgery. My doctor offered to do the surgery lap and I refused. My research indicated I was not a good candidate being MO with a lot of belly fat. Plus my tumor was huge, didn't want them to cru**** to get it out which is what they do. They automatically figured the tumor was cancer, which it was clear cell carcinoma. Years ago, they would go in thru an artery and do a biopsy of the tumor first. That's what my Mom had done. Nowadays they skip that procedure and automatically figure its cancer. I know a man who was also in the gastric bypass program I was in. He had kidney cancer of his right kidney also, they removed half of his kidney as tumor was on the outside. Then he went on to have his RNY surgery about six mos. later. Dennis is doing fine. I saw him last year and we both joke that we got kicked out of the program because of our kidneys! My local hospital was just starting out a new bariatric program. I was going to be surgery #5 and Dennis was right behind me. It's kind of hard to get a diagnosis of cancer. I don't think most people realize what it's like to walk that road. I am a single parent and very grateful that it was found by accident having pre-op gallbladder scan. I do look at life a little differently now.
Valerie
Topic: RE: Kidney Cancer
I also returned to work about 4 weeks after surgery. It was performed "lap - hand assist" and I got two tiny holes above my belly button and one 4 inch cut along my right side.
The pain was mostly because of the RNY Gastric Bypass I had a mear 4 months prior to the surgery. The gas they used to blow me up for the lap procedure squished my stomach and made me sick and caused me pain. The doctor was pretty suprised, but was also "Well, you're the newest Gastric Bypass patient I've worked with... ever. We're writing new ground with you."
The pressure from the gas kept me from eating and I ended up back in the hospital dehydrated.
Topic: RE: Kidney Cancer
Hi Michael,
I too had kidney cancer. It was discovered in August, 2003 while I was having pre-op tests for gastric bypass. I had my right kidney removed in October, 2003. I am fine and grateful it was discovered when it was as I had no symptoms whatsoever. My mother also had kidney cancer, same kidney, etc. hers was removed 33 years ago and she is fine. She was 38 at the time and I was 48. Never dreamed I would get the same type of cancer as her. They don't do chemo or radiation as it is not necessary if the cancer is contained within the kidney. You were lucky like me. I am now in the process of trying to get lapband surgery. I am a little surprised that you said you had so much pain from your surgery. I went back to work after four weeks. I felt okay but a little shaky the first week. I was wondering how they cut you, they cut me in the front but my mother was cut along her side into her back. They call that the flank cut. My doctor was undecided until the morning of surgery on where he was going to cut me. I think he was a little scared because I am morbidly obese. But everything worked out well and I am glad to be cancer free.
Valerie
Topic: RE: Survivor of Malignant Melanoma
My dear Patti. I am so sorry to hear of the reacurrance of your melanoma. It is indeed a "BEAST." I am so glad to hear though that you are at MDA, as they are miracle workers in my book. My sister, Sharon, who lives in Seguin, Tx. went to MDA to be treated for a malignant Sarcoma Cancer in 2002. She is doing real well although she is going in for more surgery in a couple of weeks at MDA to remove some cysts. The doctors believe they are benign, but because of her history they aren't taking any chances. I can only imagine what a shock this was to you that the melanoma has come back. I pray that the MRI'S and other tests will turn out clean and only the nodes will need to be treated further. Thankfully there are so many different treatments out there today and fortunately you live near a top cancer hospital. Please stay in touch and let me know how your tests turn out. I will keep you in my prayers Patti as you embark on this new and uncertain journey. You have had such great success with your weight loss and I applaud you for that. Stay strong my friend and lean on your family, friends and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will not let you down. My very best to you. God bless. Cheryl
Topic: Recurrence of Malignant Melamona
For two months, I had new lumps under my right axilla & one on my right forearm not far from the primary site. I went to my family doctor & they put me on antibodies to see if infection will go away but no change.
I had ultrasound and biopsy tests and it turned out that the ultrasound showed the enlarged nodes. The biopsy results came positive as it is malignant melanoma in nodes. Right now, I am in process to have MRI, X Rays & Cat Scan to check out if it spreads out to other organs this Friday on March 17, 2006 & get the results maybe next week and will go to MD Anderson for follow up what I need to do next.
I had Malignant melanoma on my right forearm in Aug 2004 & had it removed at MDA and same time for SNB for nodes and they took 2 out and it came clear. No treatments after surgery. Drs says I have very low chance of a recur. But it fooled drs and me. Boy, that BEAST is tricky & stubborn to give up. I be strong & faith with the Lord whatever He have plans for me.
Yes, it is scary & can't trust Melanoma as it is very stubborn cancer.
Patti Broussard
Topic: RE: Survivor of Malignant Melanoma
Hello Cheryl,
My name is Patti Broussard from Texas & I also am a warrior of Malignant Melanoma. It was on my right forearm & had it removed by surgery & SNB at same time at MD Anderson in Houston in Aug of 2004.
They removed two nodes & they were clear. No treatments after surgery.
I had the lap band inserted on July 20, 2005 & this is my 8th month now since surgery. I have lost over 128 pounds overall. And doing good & there is a profile about me on obesityhelp.com.
Sadly, Since after Christmas, I felt a lump under my right axilla & went to my family doctor. First, dr say it may be infection & put me on antibodies.
Then in Jan 6, 2006 I collasped at dr's office & was sent to hospital by ambulance. I had a severe bad case of Pneumonia on my right lung & stayed at hospital for two weeks.
In Feb, 2006, another lump appeared not far from my primary site on my right forearm. Went back to dr again & sent me for ultrasound & biopsy tests.
Bad News, Ultrasound showed there were 3 enlarged nodes under my right axilla & the biopsy showed that it is malignant melanoma again. It recurred on results on march 6 that I learned. It really hit me hard that it fooled the drs and me as I am Stage 2 now 3. I am in the process to have the tests for MRI, X Rays & Cat Scan to see how far it goes. My appointment at MDA will be March 27. I will know the results what is next to stop that "BEAST".
Patti Broussard
Topic: Kidney Cancer
5 months after WLS, I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. 11 days later, I had the affected kidney removed. That was on February 15th. So far, there have been no plans for Chemo or Radiation or any other treatment. It wasn't easy, the surgery left me tired and in pain for weeks. I'm back at work now, a month later, but not back to 100%. But the prognosis is good that I beat the cancer. 6 month check ups for the next 5 years.
Topic: RE: Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Hi Karen. Sounds like April is the month for surgeries. My two year anniversary is April 27th. I'm still working on the anemia thing too. I'm hoping that the next set of labs will be normal. We'll see. I see my pcp the end of March. I need to call and schedule with my gastroenterologist for sometime in April. I think I'll go do that right now. You have a great week too.
Peg 
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