the big "C"

[MindiJean 93]

I'm not sure if there is already a thread here for cancer survivors or people who currently have cancer, with the sleeve or pre-sleeve?

Would love to know that I'm not alone!

I am a bladder cancer survivor. I have my 2.5 year scans coming up next week, along with all my pre-testing for my sleeve surgery. I have my story all printed up already because it's a long one...but I wanted to see if others have gone through cancer here? I believe it puts things into a different perspective if you've come through cancer.

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer when I was 42. We found out that I was pregnant, surprise! We had already lost two babies, our son Daniel in the second trimester and then an early loss. We are foster parents and had already had three failed adoptions as well. When we found out I was pregnant, they did an ultrasound. They could not see the baby, but did find numerous tumors in my bladder. There started a whirlwind of tests, day surgeries, chemo, and finally major 12 hour surgery in March 2011, to remove my bladder and rebuild a "fake" bladder inside of me. 2.5 years later, I'm recovering still, have a hernia the size of a basketball due to the surgery, and need to lose some weight before I can have my "big" hernia surgery to fix my hernia, and start living again.

My story

This is what we consider to be our "last chance" at having a child in our lives. I'm 45 now. I've lost three children and two years ago lost my bladder and uterus to cancer. We've fostered children for years and had four failed adoptions. Last chance adoption. If we can afford it.

My life reads like a soap opera. When I was 11, my sisters and I were hit by a car while waiting for the school bus. My little sister Kathy didn't survive. I was raised by a wonderful Mom and an abusive alcoholic Father. And then I married an abusive, drug addicted husband. Stayed with him for 12 years until I had the strength to leave.

In 2001, I met Mark, the most wonderful man ever. We married in 2003. In 2005, at the age of 37, Mark and I conceived our first child. In 2006, I gave birth to our son Daniel, too early for him to survive. Later that year, we lost our second child.

Fast forward to 2010 (time spent between 2006 and 2010 resulted in our becoming foster parents and having three failed adoptions). At the age of 42, I found out I was pregnant. Went for an ultrasound, where they found numerous tumors in my bladder. I lost the baby and started chemotherapy in Dec 2010.

In March 2011, I had my bladder surgically removed, along with my uterus....losing any chance of having our own baby. But, in the end, I was/am currently cancer-free. We named our third baby "Angel" for saving my life.

We became licensed as foster parents again, and had a 15 month old baby girl placed with us. On March 1, 2013, after living with us for over a year, baby girl was taken and given to an Aunt in another state. Failed adoption number 4.

Through all of this, my husband Mark has been the best friend, nurse, Father, husband, caretaker ever. He deserves to have a child. WE deserve to have a child. We've looked into adoption and have started the process, which could take years.

[MindiJean 93]

I find it hard to believe that no one else has had cancer?

[NewAlli 0]

Hi

[NewAlli 0]

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. I had sleeve bypass in July. My oncologist was very supportive of my decision.

[PGee 318]

We're out there......you sound like one amazing, strong woman!

I lost my only child 4 years ago. He was 17---and I can't imagine what you've been through and then being strong enough to foster children (don't think I could give them up).

Was diagnosed with early stage of breast cancer last year. I'll be on medicine for 5 years, and doing well

[tufcat 2]

I'm not sure if there is already a thread here for cancer survivors or people who currently have cancer' date=' with the sleeve or pre-sleeve?

Would love to know that I'm not alone!

I am a bladder cancer survivor. I have my 2.5 year scans coming up next week, along with all my pre-testing for my sleeve surgery. I have my story all printed up already because it's a long one...but I wanted to see if others have gone through cancer here? I believe it puts things into a different perspective if you've come through cancer.

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer when I was 42. We found out that I was pregnant, surprise! We had already lost two babies, our son Daniel in the second trimester and then an early loss. We are foster parents and had already had three failed adoptions as well. When we found out I was pregnant, they did an ultrasound. They could not see the baby, but did find numerous tumors in my bladder. There started a whirlwind of tests, day surgeries, chemo, and finally major 12 hour surgery in March 2011, to remove my bladder and rebuild a "fake" bladder inside of me. 2.5 years later, I'm recovering still, have a hernia the size of a basketball due to the surgery, and need to lose some weight before I can have my "big" hernia surgery to fix my hernia, and start living again.

My story

This is what we consider to be our "last chance" at having a child in our lives. I'm 45 now. I've lost three children and two years ago lost my bladder and uterus to cancer. We've fostered children for years and had four failed adoptions. Last chance adoption. If we can afford it.

My life reads like a soap opera. When I was 11, my sisters and I were hit by a car while waiting for the school bus. My little sister Kathy didn't survive. I was raised by a wonderful Mom and an abusive alcoholic Father. And then I married an abusive, drug addicted husband. Stayed with him for 12 years until I had the strength to leave.

In 2001, I met Mark, the most wonderful man ever. We married in 2003. In 2005, at the age of 37, Mark and I conceived our first child. In 2006, I gave birth to our son Daniel, too early for him to survive. Later that year, we lost our second child.

Fast forward to 2010 (time spent between 2006 and 2010 resulted in our becoming foster parents and having three failed adoptions). At the age of 42, I found out I was pregnant. Went for an ultrasound, where they found numerous tumors in my bladder. I lost the baby and started chemotherapy in Dec 2010.

In March 2011, I had my bladder surgically removed, along with my uterus....losing any chance of having our own baby. But, in the end, I was/am currently cancer-free. We named our third baby "Angel" for saving my life.

We became licensed as foster parents again, and had a 15 month old baby girl placed with us. On March 1, 2013, after living with us for over a year, baby girl was taken and given to an Aunt in another state. Failed adoption number 4.

Through all of this, my husband Mark has been the best friend, nurse, Father, husband, caretaker ever. He deserves to have a child. WE deserve to have a child. We've looked into adoption and have started the process, which could take years.[/quote']

I found a lump on my breast a week before my sleeve surgery. Thought it was nothing. Nope! Metaplastic breast cancer. Chemo and a double mastectomy. Getting my mojo back.

You have been through so much. So happy you have such a loving and supportive husband. Stay strong warrior sister.

[azjanie 43]

I have never had cancer but lost my 4-year old grandson to leukemia. Also my only son was killed when he was19, my older brother died is his sleep and my father died from a heart attack. This was all within a 2 year period. I used to swear that I had a target on my back, but after much therapy and a lot of time I am ready to start living my life again. I think that is why this surgery is so important for me. I have mentally started ready start live my life again, I have a job that I love and new husband that is very supportive but physically I can't enjoy life to the fullest. That is why this surgery is so important to me because I will have the opportunity to truly enjoy life again.

You are a survivor and I wish you the best of luck.

[Alysha23 31]

I'm here too! I am four years cancer free. I was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2009. Three days before my sons first birthday. I went through aggressive radiation and chemo. We had to go to a fertility specialist to conceive our son Ty. Not knowing that I would end up with cancer and no can't have anymore kids. It's only by the grace of God. I'm still awaiting my approval from UHC. I am a journey to renew myself, again!

[MindiJean 93]

It's amazing how strong one can be when there is no other option. You guys are awesome!!

[Patibcc64 4]

I am a Breast Cancer surviver. Last year in July through a mammogram I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemo took the feeling from my hands and feet. The feeling in my hands came back but the feet did not.

I had the sleeve because everything I have read says losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the chance of cancer coming back by roughly a third.

I am also hoping that the resulting weight loss will help with the neuropathy pain in my feet. They feel like they are being poked by a million needles and sometimes they feel like they are on fire.

[Sydney Susan 333]

Hi Mindijean and others. I knw from other posts that you've just had your sleeve op, and hope all is ok

I had a somewhat advanced cervical cancer (of a kind not detected by Pap smears) that was treated with major surgery 7years ago. I've been we'll since though growing fatigue in the past few years, resulting in a leukaemia diagnosis yesterday (on my birthday too!). I'm in a "watch and wait" phase at present and hoping it stays that way for a long time, but I expect to need chemo (and all the lovely nausea and vomiting that goes with it) in the future. I guess this means my weight loss is assured (????) but I'm nervous about how - as a sleever - I'll cope with treatment and its side effects.

I too would like to hear from others who've been down this very scarey road. I could really do with some good news right now, to be honest.

[MindiJean 93]

I'm so sorry Susan.

My nausea and vomiting was pretty controlled during chemo, I took Emend and Zofran and Lorazepam. But I also didn't eat much, didn't feel like it. I worry about if I'll ever need chemo again with the sleeve.

Susan, you and all cancer fighters/survivors are in my prayers.

[Sydney Susan 333]

Thank you. That does help - I imagined myself in a terrible state due to nausea and vomiting. I know nutritional issues can be dealt with with pic lines etc, but feared how my "new" (7months old) small tum would cope with violent vomiting.

[cld987 1]

I am currently doing herceptin through a port my question is can I still have the sleeve surgery? I have finished all chemo since June 2013 and radiation since August 2013 I do herceptin until June 2014. My port is scheduled out at the end if June The port removal is done at the dr office and is a minor surgery I would like to have the surgery in July the week if the fourth I know the timing is very close. I have been back at my job since July 29 2013. Has anyone had a similar situation and dobyiu think I can still have the surgery that close to port removal?