Heartbroken

[BrickHouse 358]

I began thinking about WLS over a year ago. This past summer, I began the process. I spent many, many hours reading these boards and learning more than I ever thought I'd know about being sleeved and living a sleeved life. I started by attending an information seminar hosted by my surgeon in July. I had my one-on-one consultation with him in September. I began my adventure of hoop-jumping: two psych visits, two nutrition visits, two sleep studies (one with CPAP after OSA dx), EGD, upper GI, pulmonary check, cardio check... I learned I had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. All the more reason to have this procedure. When I was almost finished with all of my clearances, I discovered a lump.

I immediately contacted my primary care doctor who sent me to a breast imaging specialist. Everyone could feel the lump, but it didn't show up on the diagnostic mammo, nor the ultrasound. I was then referred to a surgeon under the impression that I had an infected duct. Under his direction, I hot-packed my breast for two days before having the painful area excised. Two days later, I learned the excised area was entirely cancer. Positive margins, more surgery, blah blah blah. The rest was just a bunch of white noise.

I had a successful double mastectomy four weeks ago and had my tissue expanders placed for reconstruction. I've been in contact with my bariatric surgeon and his recommendation was to get started with my physical therapy and as long as the plastic surgeon was ok with it, and as long as I didn't need chemo, we could submit to insurance and get started. I am about a week away from beginning physical therapy and I've been getting more and more excited.

Today, after OncoType testing, I learned I'll soon begin 8 rounds of chemo, lasting about six months. I will likely need to wait several months after finishing chemo before I move on to step 2 of my reconstruction, let alone even think about being sleeved. My first thought was to put off the chemo for a month or so and try to put a rush on my sleeve. But what if I'm in the small percentage of patient that has a serious complication? The longer I wait on the chemo, the less effective it could be. It's a no brainer. My heart is broken. I have to put on my big girl panties and just suck it up. Do the chemo, regain my strength, then move forward with my reconstruction and sleeve next year. Although I know what I have to do, I just want to cry. I'm so disappointed.

[jennifer4444 34]

Wishing you the best on your new battle. My thoughts are with you.

[CG75 10]

Bless your heart! I'm sorry to hear about your breast cancer. I know you want your WLS but the most important thing is to get yourself cancer free! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[MinaT 669]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. With the Chemo and everything you have to go through, there is no reason not to follow the actual plan that most doctors put you on before, during and after surgery.

There is absolutely no reason not to sign up to myfitnesspal.com, no reason not to eat 80 grams of Protein a day, drink 64 ounces of Water a day, no reason not to limit your carbohydrates to 20-40 grams a day, no reason not to stay within 800-1200 a day.

You can still do this while going through Chemo. Actually, this may help you more so. Chart your food, drink your Water. Eat your meat first, vegetables second, chew everything up really well.

There is no reason not to still walk in place, while going through this. Wait 1/2 hour after eating to drink your water, give up Soda now.

I lost 70 pounds before I had surgery. I know it would be definitely hard to deal while dealing with cancer, but I do have a brain tumor and I do have lupus and I did it before surgery. Your dream of having surgery isn't over, but I honestly believe you can strive to change your eating lifestyle now.

You are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you nothing but the best. I can imagine the disappointment you feel but there is no reason to give up the fight and there is even more of a reason to be vigilant. If you eat healthier and drink more water, you will only benefit.

Kick the cancer's butt, while getting your butt in shape. You can fight and win both battles at once!

[Jugee44 9]

My heart felt heavy reading your story , you sound like a very strong person and you will get through this. I had a full hystorectomy this past July and I had to put on hold the sleeve after being tested possitive in the cancer genetics , both my sisters were my age when they were dignosed with ovarian cancer ( I am 44) and they both passed before they turned 50 .

I can only imagine what you must be feeling , be patient and things will fall into place ... your chemo is more important right now after that , take one day at a time. My prayers are with you.

[BrickHouse 358]

Just reading all your well wishes has lifted my spirits tonight. Thank you. While I often say that I can't wait for 2012 to be over, this is still the year that I whooped cancer's a$$.

[DanaInNewOrleans 513]

Brickhouse, you must must must concentrate on beating your cancer! Forget the Sleeve for now. Put all your energy to getting well. Then just think how indestructible you'll be once you get sleeved...

Take care.....

Dana

[BrickHouse 358]

Just to clarify, they've removed all my cancer. I'm cancer-free, but my family history is very strong (although no other breast cancers), so I had a test to determine the likelihood of distant recurrence. While I'm not high-risk, the number I received wasn't low enough to be considered low-risk, so this chemo should cut my recurrence risk in half. So, while I've beaten the cancer, the chemo is what will postpone my sleeve and reconstruction.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support. They are very much appreciated.

[*Dean* 1,594]

Sending prayers and good wishes from Australia. Sounds like you're pretty adept at getting to where you want to be, and having WLS is only a matter of time. Congratulations on all your sucess to date. Deano

[ShouldBlittler 89]

That is heartbreaking! I'm so sorry to hear that. My friend just finished with all of her chemo and everything from breast cancer. She's on her way to getting a sleeve now, just as you will be .... just a little delayed. I'm so sorry.

[gmanbat 5,889]

Brickhouse,

Sorry to hear of your cancer but I am glad they got all of it.

I was treated for prostate cancer in 2009 which included chemo. I was sleeved in Jan of this year and am 2 pounds from goal. I am very strong and extremely happy with the results.

I think the Lupron, ( a hormone, a testosterone blocker), and the steroids they gave me during chemo helped pack on weight which I found very difficult to shed. The sleeve was the tool that helped me kick it out.

My prayers are with you. You can do it!

[Territravel 217]

My thoughts and prayers are with you! Stay positive, and strong. Consentrate on getting well. You can do this.....

[mggonzal 54]

I began thinking about WLS over a year ago. This past summer' date=' I began the process. I spent many, many hours reading these boards and learning more than I ever thought I'd know about being sleeved and living a sleeved life. I started by attending an information seminar hosted by my surgeon in July. I had my one-on-one consultation with him in September. I began my adventure of hoop-jumping: two psych visits, two nutrition visits, two sleep studies (one with CPAP after OSA dx), EGD, upper GI, pulmonary check, cardio check... I learned I had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. All the more reason to have this procedure. When I was almost finished with all of my clearances, I discovered a lump.

I immediately contacted my primary care doctor who sent me to a breast imaging specialist. Everyone could feel the lump, but it didn't show up on the diagnostic mammo, nor the ultrasound. I was then referred to a surgeon under the impression that I had an infected duct. Under his direction, I hot-packed my breast for two days before having the painful area excised. Two days later, I learned the excised area was entirely cancer. Positive margins, more surgery, blah blah blah. The rest was just a bunch of white noise.

I had a successful double mastectomy four weeks ago and had my tissue expanders placed for reconstruction. I've been in contact with my bariatric surgeon and his recommendation was to get started with my physical therapy and as long as the plastic surgeon was ok with it, and as long as I didn't need chemo, we could submit to insurance and get started. I am about a week away from beginning physical therapy and I've been getting more and more excited.

Today, after OncoType testing, I learned I'll soon begin 8 rounds of chemo, lasting about six months. I will likely need to wait several months after finishing chemo before I move on to step 2 of my reconstruction, let alone even think about being sleeved. My first thought was to put off the chemo for a month or so and try to put a rush on my sleeve. But what if I'm in the small percentage of patient that has a serious complication? The longer I wait on the chemo, the less effective it could be. It's a no brainer. My heart is broken. I have to put on my big girl panties and just suck it up. Do the chemo, regain my strength, then move forward with my reconstruction and sleeve next year. Although I know what I have to do, I just want to cry. I'm so disappointed.[/quote']

I know it is really hard, but you need to have your chemo and when you'll finish it I know you will be a stronger person then you will be ready for the sleeve... But it is really important that the chemo will be your priority... Best wishes..

[Ballermom 803]

I pray that you will be Surrounded by Blessings as you go through every part of of this Journey. You absolutely can do it. You kicked cancer out in 2012. Yep. Ill pray for you as you go through chemo too. Stay with it as it may take longer to get sleeved.

Congrats on being cancer free!

[nikic408 8]

So sorry you are having to go through all of this. It's hard. But yes you def need to get your breast cancer under control and kick its butt. The sleeve surgery will always be there. We just want you healthy.