First visit to the oncologist... (mild girl talk)

[Hears The Water]

Well, I had my first appointment with the oncologist yesterday. It was.... different. Mary took me and we went to Springfield. We got a little lost trying to find a Taco Bueno there but we did finally find where we were supposed to be. Once we got in the office and filled out all of the papers and paid the cashier and got up to the right floor, we had to wait over an hour in the office. The Dr. came in and we talked a bit, he asked me questions and started explaining that my PCOS, fibroid and cancer were all interconnected by the excess estrogen. I kind of had that figured out, but hey at least we were on the same page on that one. He did some basic doctor stuff, listening to my breathing, poked and prodded and such and then we got down to the fun part of the exam. It was over rather quickly.

So the long and the short of it is that (if I am understanding him correctly) I could have had this cancer for quite a while now and that he feels that the risk of operating on a woman of my size is higher than the risk of the cancer killing me right now. I have lost 8.2 pounds over the last month without trying very hard, so I am hoping that I can loose more if I start to try harder.

He prescribed me Arimidex to decrease my estrogen and Megace to decrease the growth of my endometrial tissue. He also said that this should make me not have any periods. The down side of course is the possible side effects and the cost. He said that they are very expensive. ($300 for just one of the meds alone) I have looked up the website for the manufacturer of that med and I can get help with that but it may take several months to get the meds here. I will be calling some other resources to see about other kinds of help. He also mentioned the possibility of removing a large amount of my belly fat during the surgery to aid in healing. So, I would come out of the surgery a smaller person around the middle. Not too sure about that one. He also asked if I had ever thought about gastric bypass, but I am not sure why.

I had a migraine hit while I was on the table so it was hard to concentrate while every one's faces were sparkly. I am so glad I had Mary there to help me. She was pretty mad because she too is a big girl. But I am ok with this at this point. I admit that my ego is a bit bruised because I now have to tell my friends that I am too fat for surgery but I also know that I still need help and prayers so I don't want to hold back. I am thinking that the doc wants me to loose like 50 lbs and hopes to hold the cancer back so I can do so. He will be performing an endometrial biopsy in a month to check how the Megace is doing.

I am not sure how to feel about all of this. I mean, I was all set and geared up for surgery but now we have done a 180 and all. I am also not sure how I feel about the waiting. But on the other hand I was very concerned about having surgery at my size. He did look at me and say that this would be a life changing experience... Well duh, ya think? *grin* Not too much bedside manner, but I felt good vibes and I have heard he is a great surgeon. I am taking it as a good sign that he cares enough to not rush in when there is a very real risk to me.

So, thanks for listening to me and thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice you can give me.
God bless you and yours
Deb

[crashy]

Can you get a second opinion? Sheesh I thought when you got the C word you had the surgery quickly to get it out. It doesn't set right with me. I can imagine how you feel about the 180 thing.
I hope the meds work out as well I am sure there is a company that makes them cheaper hopefully you can find it free.
My heart goes out to you.

[Cindy in NY]

I was just thinking about you earlier! I'm glad to hear that you at least got in to see the oncologist. I know what you mean about a lack of bedside manner. My new gyn is very lacking in that dept but we are on the same page as far as my condition so I'll stick with her. I think I can understand his lack of urgency if he thinks your cancer has been around for a while. But I also understand your wanting to get it out of you!

I'm on my own weight loss journey and have gotten a lot of support in the Weight Loss forum. Would love to have you come join us!

[frogmammy]

Ok, first off....each TYPE of cancer operates/progresses differently. Each person's cancer (within that TYPE) progresses differently. Find a cancer group that discusses YOUR type cancer and ask LOTS of question! But always remember, everyone is different.

That said....you are probably losing weight because of the cancer. (been there, done that, gained it ALL back when the cancer left! Darn!)

If you think his reasoning is good, and you trust him and want him to be your doctor, go with it. Actually TRY hard to lose weight, eat the HEALTHIEST you have EVER eaten in your life. Cancer "steals" nutrients from the body so you need to make sure that you get ALL you need!

And start jogging. Yeah, I know...jogging...you NEED to improve your lung function before the surgery, and now you'll have time to do that! Improved lung function means you'll handle the surgical drugs better, have less chance of pnemonia and your surgical site will heal faster and better (all that extra oxygen works wonders!). Start at a walk, the a faster/harder walk and on and on...

Mon

[Katrina26]

Praying for you!

I second Crashy on the second opinion. It never hurts to get another opinion.

My previous gynecologist couldn't explain why I was spotting so much. My next gyno pinpointed I needed a higher level of birth control hormone because I was chunky. I've never had problems since so I am always "go" for another opinion.

Kat

[Elffriend]

Please get a second opinion. Your doctor may be right, he may know what he is talking about, or he may be a fat phobic jerk. I'm having a really hard time believing that the increased risks of surgery on a fat person are worse than not getting the cancer out as soon as possible.

I had surgery for breast cancer about a year and a half ago. I weighed 360 at the time and general anesthesia was used. I realize that this is different than having abdominal surgery, but I would really question what your specific risks are.

[mommagoose_99]

Probably not a good idea to start Jogging. I weigh 220 and jogging would kill me. I went to CURVES and began working out. Its a much gentler way to begin exersizing. The jogging in place was easier on my legs and ankles. Better to begin slowly than jump right in to hard exersize. Good luck with your program. Please tell us how it goes.
Linda

[Heidi's_Goats]

Have the doctor's started you on Metformin yet????

If I take my 1500 mg ER/day and eat low carb I loose about 10# per month.

There is also a wonderful medication out there called Phentermine. Besides taking my Metformin regularly it is the only medication that I can loose weight on. It is an amphetamine so it makes you feel great and full of energy. I have never had any "bad" side effects except I never want to go to sleep.

Did the oncologist give you any support for the weight loss at all? He does realize how almost impossible it is to lose with PCOS?

I hope and pray that everything turns out for the best! Please keep us updated on your progress.

[FD2N4P]

still praying for you..2nd opinion please!

[frogmammy]

Originally Posted by mommagoose_99

Probably not a good idea to start Jogging.

That's right! Which is why I suggested that she START by walking, walking faster, walking harder, etc..

It won't hurt her, only help, it's cost effective, and it works on just about everybody's schedule.

Mon

[All country]

I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I pray you can turn it around and use it for good in your life.

Personally, when I go to a doctor, I am paying him to do his very best in taking care of my health issues. If he has to concern himself with worrying about hurting my feelings or ego when discussing real issues with me, it may prevent him from doing his job to the best of his abilities.

Of course if he were mean or cruel about it I would dump him fast, I would expect him to be straight forward yet tactful. From what you have written, I would think he addressed real health issues, but wasn't cruel about it, just factual.

Not all cancers have to be treated right away. I have a friend who has lived with cancer for many years now. She has enjoyed a quality life, and given birth to 2 children in this time. She is just recently receiving treatment for it, but still refuses to go the chemo route. She is determined to beat thing without poisoning her entire body.

[Songbird]

Deb, the amount of estrogen in your body will go down as you lose weight too which will slow the cancer way down. Estrogen is stored in the fat cells. I need to lose weight too as I have excessive amount of estrogen causing me problems. I've already had 3 breast lumpectomies and the doc says it is caused by my excess estrogen.

Walking is your best bet for exercise. Just take it slow and easy and cut down on sweets and starches. Just simply cutting your portion sizes in half will help with a slow and steady weight loss as well.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

[Alice In TX/MO]

He told you the truth. Operating on an obese person is more risky than operating on a slim person.

Your arteries more more likely to be clogged, so you are more likely to have a stroke during surgery. Your blood is having to travel farther, and it get there more slowly, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke, and making you slower to heal. The surgery will take longer due to him having to work through more territory, and every moment you are sedated increases risk. Your heart is already working harder than it is designed to, so your chances of heart attack are increased. You will also heal more slowly because getting up and moving after surgery is vital, and if you are heavy, you're less likely to walk, exercise, etc.

As to the cancer progressing while you lose weight... Learn more about your particular cancer. If you will think of the difference between prostate cancer (slow growing, often not treated in older men where the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits of removing it) and neuroblastoma (highly aggressive and quick growing), you will see that information is vitally important.

If you can put off the surgery SAFELY so that you can get your body healthier and ready to withstand surgery at reduced risk, then that's the way I would go.

As you know, we've been through cancer with my grandson. I totally understand your fears and confusion. Get information. It's the best weapon in your battle.

Huggs,
Alice