LapBand and chemo?

[Luvmykids37 0]

I have had cancer and underwent chemotherapy. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea and vomiting. My thought is while you undergo chemotherapy you may want them to open the band completely so there will be no undo stress on your stomach. Chemotherapy often kills the appetite. You may not even need a band. Foods can taste funny, you may stop liking thinks you normally like. Chemotherapy is funny like that. The nice thing is with the band you can always fill it later. You need to concentrate on getting well and eat nutritiously to support fihhting of your illness. May God bless you as he has blessed me. I am sorry you have to go through this.

Lizsa

[joanp 4]

Thanks for the perspective Lisza. On the advice of my oncologists and my surgeon, I didn't touch my band and am happy about it. While medications ensured I rarely threw up, my taste buds are all off, as you suggest. I eat a lot of plain yogurt and chicken broth (all homemade), sometimes some salmon. Not much of anything. But my last scheduled chemo is next week. Then they'll tell me what's next.

[TeganRheana 1]

I don't have any suggestions but just wanted to wish you goodluck with everything!

[Jachut 487]

My MIL is dealing with chemo at the moment - the anti nausea meds are incredibly effective, she's had not one single bit of nausea and has in fact gained a bit of weight. She still has all her hair too.

I'd unfill my band I think. Getting well now is what's important.

Best of luck.

[Jachut 487]

Well, how quickly things change and how soon we have to eat our words.

I'm about to start chemo and radiation therapy for rectal cancer. I've thought about breaking this news here and didnt want to start a thread to just do it.

My feelings about my band are complex. By a wonderful stroke of luck, I've found a colorectal surgeon who is experienced with lapbands. His support is wonderful. Every specialist has expressed utter disbelief that I've contracted this disease at the age of 43 (but there is familial history) but how wonderful it is that I'm so slender and so fit - it will render treatment easier on me and possibly more effective and greatly reduce my change of recurrence (lets not forget I spent 20 years overweight if not obese and eating a pretty sugary diet).

I dont want to unfill. I feel like everything has spun out of control and I've lost my identity as it is. I cant work for a while, I cant control anything. My lapband surgeon is only suburbs away, i can unfill at the drop of a hat if I need to. As it is, my band is filled for maintenance, I can eat healthy and enough to keep weight on. I am a very non nauseous person, I've never vomited after an anaesthetic and if anyone is going to be able to control nausea and minimise any vomiting, it will be me, I have a cast Iron gut.

I'm stubbournly clinging to the idea that even if I get too tired and sick to run I'll be able to do some walking. I just feel like I cannot give up that side of myself, I've worked too bloody long and hard for it.

I've also stayed out of the high Protein threads. Eating complex carbs and lots of fruit and veg hasnt saved me but it IS the recommended diet for the health of your diegestive system. I simply cant read about what people our eating without wanting to scream. A diet high in saturated fat, animal products and processed foods is SO dangerous.

Overall, I'm just majorly PISSED OFF which is fuelling me with the courage to fight this. But I am not going to unfill my band until I know I have to. I also have to deal with a temporary ileostomy later in the year and being overweight is a major hindrance there also. I believe the right choice for me now is to try to maintain what elements of my health I can control.

[Apples2 19]

Jacqui...I have followed your success story since DAY 1. You have been such an inspiration to me. I love your spunk and your piss and vinager attitude. I just love you and the way you share your life with us. And, I know you do your sharing to help you along in you LB journey but also to help others.

Most women do not have testicles...you do. Love that about you. Please keep this thread going and keep us informed as to how you are doing. I truly care. Thanks for sharing. Be tough, be strong...sending the love.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Jachut

OMG girl - I hear you 100% about the possibility of having to give up your lifestyle - it's our lives now (eating healthy & exercising)

Please know that you are in my thought and prayers

Like Apples said - you are a fantastic bander - and I have followed you too since I joined LBT.. I love the advice you give..

I may know know you in person - but feel that I do know you and care about you..

So please know that you will be having tons of good ju ju - love and prayers being sent your way..

xoxoxo Janet

[Jachut 487]

Well, we've had a really positive oncologist visit today! The main treatment is the radiotherapy to shrink the tumour prior to surgery. Chemo is an added insurance only and will be very mild, one drug only (5 FU) and by infusion drip, 1 drop per minute 24/7 for a few weeks.

The oncologist said I would feel fatigue, for sure, maybe lack of appetite but very very unlikely to be nauseous let alone vomiting. Diarrhoea maybe a problem, and mouth ulcers, sore hands and feet but that anyone determined could maintain their fitness through this, if not peak performance! I am also most likely to be ready to return to work for a while post treatment before surgery (they give you a few weeks to cook, the tumour continues to shrink and makes it all safer) and that my prognosis is "excellent" meaning its 95% sure I will be here in 5 years time, if I dont get hit by a bus first. I think the dealing with the fear and anxiety of the past few weeks will be the worst part, to be honest, but I'm not looking forward to an ileostomy bag much, even if it will be only for a few months.

Postive thoughts produce positive results though and focussing on fitness, and continuing with my teaching career are good things to focus on. I will also probably keep my hair he says, which is is not necessarily a good thing, I have crap hair and was kind of looking forward to having good hair days with a wig every single day, lol.

But yeah, I have no reason to think this wont be anythng more than a horrible memory by this time next year, a mere blip on the radar. And thank god I have done so much positive for my health over the past five years, it will stand me in very good stead.

[Apples2 19]

Jacqui...hopefully a year from now you can look back on this as an inconvenient bump in the road of life. Good to hear that your doc is optimistic. Take care.

[jingleboob 5]

Jacqui- best wishes to you for a fast and complete recovery!

[juliansmom2003 3]

Joan and Jacqui--nothing but thoughts and prayers for both of you!

[TracyNYC 4]

Best of luck. We are praying.

[reverie 49]

The thread makes me pretty sad, but both of you will pull through. Good luck to you both and you'll definitely be in my thoughts. I've also been one who has been secretly reading all of Jachut's posts. You're definitely one of the best bandsters on here!

[Cleo's Mom 257]

Jachut;

I just heard on the news yesterday that the rate of rectal cancer is increasing among young people and they don't know why and then today I read your posts.

I am very sorry that you have to go through this. Cancer stinks. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago and then 11 months later my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He died 5 years ago.

So, I know the trials and tribulations of cancer treatment. Some suggestions for chemo. Drink lots of Water during the IV. Buy some hard sugarless candies to suck on if you get a bad taste in your mouth. If you can find it in Australia buy that cow cream that comes in the black and white jars (it's the balm they use on cow's utters) and is recommended for hands that get dry during chemo. It's very soothing and works well. I think it's called bag balm or something but the black & white jars are easily recognized.

You need to rest when tired and not push yourself. Your body needs time to heal. You already eat healthy and are sensible about exercise.

I wish you well. I think you will be fine. It sounds like you are in good hands with your doctors. That is so important.

Take care.

[Catherine55 43]

Jacqui, I am very sorry that you are going through this. I was so happy to see your second post about the positive news from your doctor. I am sure that is helping you to keep your spirits high and your thoughts positive.

You've already shown that you have incredible willpower and both mental and physical strength, and I'm sure that will help you get through this treatment and to beat this cancer. Actually, you've been a huge inspiration to me already, just from all of your success with the band and your good outlook and perspective. I will definitely be thinking of you, cheering you on and sending positive thoughts and wishes your way.

Best wishes,

Catherine