Obesity, Endometrial Cancer & The Sleeve

[fattymcfatterson 107]

The Back Story

In February of 2012 I was diagnosed with “complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia”. Basically, pre-cancerous cells of the uterus. My gyno said at 40 it was a slim chance of my getting pregnant and I should have a hysterectomy. I asked him if my chances of getting prego after WLS would increase and he said that my egg condition would probably decrease even more and it would be a miracle if I got prego. At this time I had decided already to get the sleeve and was not sure what to do about the hyster. He said if I was not going to schedule the hyster very soon I should come back in 6 months and have another d&c to test my endo cells. In june I decided to meet with another bariatric surgeon, Dr. Cribbins in Dallas, for 2 reasons. His pre-op diet was NOT liquid only, and he did surgery with the davinci robot (less pain, faster recovery). I had the thought that maybe I could get both the WLS and the hyster at the same time, with one recovery and one bout with Hair loss. He said that would not be a problem and referred me to a gynecological oncologist who he worked with before that sends his patients over for the sleeve. Today, July 11, I went and met with the gyno onco, Dr. Heffernan of Dallas, FULLY expecting to hear you need a hyster and we can do it at the same time as WLS. Well, he unexpectedly threw me a curve ball…..

This is basically what Dr. H said:

“Women who are obese produce an ongoing, UNOPPOSED stream of estrogen. This stream of estrogen over a long period of time changes our endometrial lining when it is not opposed by progesterone. “

So basically, some endo cancers are caused by obesity. He has had people with my same diagnosis, get RID of their abnormal endo cells and have no cancer or pre-cancerous cells! He has had women with endometrial CANCER, get cured of the cancer!!!!!!!!!

What is the combination? Progesterone treatment (megace orally or mirena iud) and weight loss (recommends the sleeve)! Why weight loss? Because we lose that overabundance of estrogen created from being fat or from PCOS. He said that getting the sleeve is the best medical intervention life saving/changing thing I could do.

I heard everything he said but did not process it until during my 1.5 hour drive home. I could possibly not need a hysterectomy and may not have to slam the door shut on having a child???? And, not develop cancer???? I thought my choices were, get hysterectomy, or get cancer. He gave me a 3 month scrip for megace and said it was possible by the time I had my hysterectomy my stuff could be all cleared up. Say what???

This morning when I woke up I was convinced I was going to be getting hysterectomy and sleeve in the same shot late august early sept. Now it looks like I will be getting a endo biopsy/d&c in a month, and if it is not WORSE then what I had in January, just getting the sleeve and maybe an IUD. And who knows, a year from now maybe I will be pregnant.

In my 20 years of being Fatty McFatterson, I NEVER had heard that obesity was/or could be directly related to endometrial/cervical cancers. Now I am obligated to let many people know!! I REALLY hope this long (poorly written cuz it is late and my mind is racing and tired) post can help someone in their decision to change their health!!!!!!

With renewed HOPE,

Crystal

[babyblues4all2c 24]

That is awesome!!! And it makes me even more excited about the sleeve. Thank you for sharing.

[GivingItMyAll 168]

Wow! What great news.

Sent from my iPad using VST

[StormWarning 194]

Wow that sounds promising. I truly hope things come together for you. I know how it feels to have dreams crushed. Keep fighting,