Stacey, You are living proof! I'm very sorry to hear about your father. I just went to a funeral yesterday for the CEO of the hospital I work at that cancer finally took a week ago. I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor. What I've learned the most from all of this is that we have to be grateful for who and what we do have. I am sure you understand that. Are you able to eat meats yet? How about fat free cottage cheese. I start my day with 1 cup of it each morning with a tomato cut up in it. It starts me off with 26 grams of protein. Keep reaching out. It is what we are all here for! Lori

In 1990, I was diagnosed with Uterine, Ovarian and Cervical cancer, stage 4. They offered me treatments of various sorts, and the option of surgery. I had suffered for numerous years being in and out of hospitals, and in agony. I chose surgery, knowing, I would NEVER be able to "bear" a child. In 1991, I had a complete hysterecomy, removing all of my reproductive organs. I overcame it well, and within 9 months, I was given a "clean" bill of health and had returned to work long before that. In April of 2005, I went to my family for their "blessing" on my WLS, and though I felt they really weren't supportive, it was what I wanted. In June of 2005, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the esophagus, that now, has spread into his liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart. He underwent 6 rounds of chemo-therapy and nothing worked. Hospice comes into their home regularly, but Mom said today (1/23) that he is growing weaker and weaker every day. Last week he had to endure a two pint blood transfusion because they had done labs and said that his blood count was "So Low" that if it became any lower, he would simply fall asleep and die. In this turn of event prior to my surgery, I had almost chose not to have it. I had asked them one last time, though I am of adult age to do whatever I want, I just wanted to know if I should go ahead. And I did. However, I have been down this journey alone for the most part, with little or no support from anyone in my immediate family. It's been really hard on my spirit and heart, and knowing that my dad is dying, makes me feel like I did the wrong thing by going ahead and having the surgery in July. But, I don't regret it now. Not for one second. I've come to live with my decision, and have handled this alone, and on my own. And other than worrying about my protein intake, I've done quite well. So I hope that if you read this, you know that you are not alone in your struggle or fight, and that anything could be a road block, but you can get through it. I'm living proof. Thank you for letting me share.

I just had my lap RNY on 12-22-05. I survived a Ewings Sarcoma(bone cancer) in 1975. I had 18 months of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation. This is before they would insert a pic line for children so I had to have a new IV every time I got a treatment. I graduated High School wearing a wig. I am still lucky because in 1975 the survival rate was only about 45%. I now have lipomas in my stomach that they tried to remove during my RNY but were unable to. My surgery took 5 hours instead of 2. I know they are benign but I wish they could have been removed. I am blessed to be a survivor. I am down 27 pounds and wish everyone great luck and success. Kathy

Hi everyone, I am a 17 year survivor of malignant melanoma on my right foot. I feel so thankful to God that I caught it soon enough so that I did not need to undergo any chemo or radiation. I did have an extreme surgery on my foot and subsequent skin grafts but all is ok. I had lapband surgery on 11/10/05 and have lost 20 lbs. since then. I have been very happy about my decision to have the surgery and look forward to losing all the weight that has plagued me for so long. A very Merry Christmas to everyone and I pray you will be successful with your weight loss and cancer struggles. Be blessed. Cheryl

Hi Peg, So happy to hear you are feeling better each day! I read your profile and God Bless you for taking the step to change your life and congratulations on the weight loss thus far. I have not yet had the surgery but plan to have the Lap-Band in February 06. This coming March, I will be a 5 year cancer survivor of multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. I'm looking forward to a better quality of life and I am encouraged to know there are others out there who were/are facing serious illnesses who have taken the step that I wish to take. I wish you the best and keep going!! Val R.