My oncology visit

grammylew
on 5/3/10 10:45 pm - Jacksonville, NC

I had my follow up with my surgical oncologist yesterday. My DH went with me. My girls (daughter and DIL) won't let me go alone, because sometimes I ignore a doctor's advice. I admit I have done that in the past.

Dr. Z says with my Stage II A gallbladder cancer even though the tumor was contained in the GB, and they found no cancer cells in the liver or bile duct, I still have just a 50/50 chance of making it to 2 years past surgery. Some little cells remain in my nodes or ducts. Chemo shrinks them, but then they begin to grow and multiply (like bunnies).
My CAT scan was good. I will get one every 3 mo. I see Dr. A in 3 mo, then Dr. Z three months after that and on and on for 2 years. Then if I am still cancer free I will get my port out, and I may live a few more years. I plan on living another 25 years, just to irritate all my family!!!! After 2 years I see an oncologist every 6 months for 3 more years, then once a year forever and ever amen.
As for the shoulder surgery (I have no cartiledge in my left shoulder and I need a new ball and socket). At first he said any time. Then he changed his mind and said 6 to 12 months. Then he said it was really up to me. Did I want to spend the next year in pain, or recovering from shoulder surgery? But if it was his decision, he would wait. Ray was there and witnessed the entire thing so I can't lie and say he said no problem, go for it. Dr. A had said the same thing. My immune system is still compromised and healing time is slower, as well.
The Dr. was also happy to see me 30 pounds heavier than my last visit. I told him my band was empty, but I was getting a fill next week and would lose that 30 pounds. He said that was OK, they would just unfill it and 'fatten me up' when I needed chemo again!
Through this entire visit he never said IF. As in IF there were cancer cells left, or IF they began to multiply or IF I needed chemo again. He was very matter-of-fact, that this was a WHEN not an IF!!!
I know many who have lived for YEARS after a cancer diagnosis, and I plan on joining them!

Grammylew in Jax

MaryMargaretG
on 5/3/10 11:05 pm - Medina, OH

RNY on 07/14/09

Hi Grammylew,

I am sorry you have to go through so much. You are such a great person and I feel bad. You maintain a good outlook and that is important.

I am so glad you are posting and keeping us updated. I wish you good health and will keep you in my prayers.

Peace

Mary

I am on my way. What a ride it has been.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Sharing

Eileen Briesch
on 5/3/10 11:50 pm - Evansville, IN

RNY on 06/29/04

I had a friend who lived many years after cancer ... she always said you don't die from cancer, you live with cancer. She was a coach and a gymnastics judge and the girls loved her. Both she and her husband had cancer -- she had breast cancer that spread to her spine; her hubby had prostate cancer. They had adopted two children. I did several stories on them when I was in South Dakota. She was a vibrant woman and full of energy and always positive. When she retired from gymnastics judging at the state meet, the girls all came out and bowed to her, that's how well loved she was. I say "was" because, yes, eventually she succumbed to the cancer. But until then, she lived life to the fullest.

You have a lot of living left, too. Don't give in.

Eileen Briesch

lap rny 6-29-04

[email protected]

Connie D.
on 5/4/10 12:56 am

RNY on 08/29/07

Love your always possitive attitude. You are a fighter....keep it up!!

My thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Hugs....connie d

Mary M.
on 5/4/10 4:41 am - Minneapolis, MN

RNY on 09/30/09

YOU are a warrior! The grace you show in fighting these battles is inspiring. Thank you for teaching me how to live. You are doing so well under tough (and sometimes probably frightening) situations. YAY you!

Mary

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you CAN do." John Wooden

I'm down 120 pounds - thanks to RNY! Working on the next 25. Then I'll tackle more...

sheri139
on 5/4/10 5:08 am - Ottawa, Canada

RNY on 11/05/08 with

I'm with you - don't let them get to you - we were told that when my hubby had cancer back i***** now only sees the doc once a year and they say 'see you next year'... we live life as fully as possible and you will too. so glad he is around to share our wonderful grands...
Best of luck.
Sheri

RNY

ohcardsmallsheri.gif picture by lynnca1972

Nov 5, 2008

16 pounds lost pre surgery

Pat R.
on 5/4/10 5:28 am - Sturgis, MI

RNY on 08/17/07

You have such a positive attitude and that's half the battle. Go for it, we expect to have you with us for the long haul!!!!

(on MySpace, MSN, Web pages, Blogs...)
Done! Your Ticker:

grammylew
on 5/4/10 5:50 am - Jacksonville, NC

Lap Band on 10/01/07

Thank you everyone for your encouragement and prayers.

I have a cousin who had a double mastectomy over 25 years ago and she is still goin strong. And an uncle who has been in remission from his cancer for 10 years. And my sister has been in remission from breast cancer for 8 years.

But then my Momma and her Sissy both had small cell lung cancer and died within months of each other. And within 6 months of diagnosis.

I have a very positive attitude about this entire thing. I am FEELING fine, so I must be healthy, right? Plus I am on so many prayer lists that God is well aware of me and is helping me through all this.

Grammylew in Jax

Karen S.
on 5/4/10 9:09 am - Wailuku, HI

RNY on 07/26/06

Aloha Grammylew......What an inspiration you are!! Your attitude alone will give you many many more years of happiness on this earth.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. And we can share ours with you. In my case, I know several people who are years out from their original diagnosis of cancer, and doing great. None of us know when our time is, and every day we spend worrying, is a day we lose out on peace, happiness and love.

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Debbiejean
on 5/4/10 10:13 pm - Shelbyville, MI

Revision on 04/12/07

grammylew, you are my hero!
Positive thinking and YOU will live another 25 years...prove them all wrong. Fight the good fight. You have attitude, you have something to live for and....above all...YOU HAVE PASSION!!!!

Doctor's are not God. They don't know. When my mom was diagnosed with Cancer of the Esophagus, her doc took one look at me and said "Debbie for you it's not if you get cancer, it's WHEN"...oh hell yes, this ********aid that to me...he knew my history and he knew I've had Reflux/Gerd since I was 20. Well since my RNY I have had NO reflux/gerd and my goal is to prove this doc wrong!!!

I'm stubborn and my positive thinking is a plus along with my faith in God.
You too grammy...prove them wrong! I'm right here beside you cheering you on!!! Hugs-Debbie

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My oncology visit