About last night... At 22:15, I had some mild deep abdominal pain (right side under my ribs). Initially, it felt like sore muscles but I couldn't sit comfortably anymore so I got up to get ready for bed. In less than five minutes, the pain went from 0-100 and it felt like I had been … Continue reading Pain in the…
Next Steps – Checking the Tatas!
In January, I began my next stage of cancer screening. Since I'm at an increased risk of developing lobular breast cancer (thanks to this pesky CDH1 mutation), I have been advised to have both annual mammograms and MRI scans from the age of 30. When I met with my gastro surgeon back in November, he … Continue reading Next Steps – Checking the Tatas!
TG Recovery – 6 Month Update
Has it really been six months already?! -- Food One of the biggest things that I was surprised to discover, is the variety of foods that I can consume. Eating is different now (I have to take my time, take care to chew and eat smaller portions) but I'm not living off soups like I … Continue reading TG Recovery – 6 Month Update
Dumping Syndrome
Most mornings, I start my day with a coffee followed by a smoothie. My usual favourite consists of 1 banana, a handful of strawberries, almond milk and a few generous dollops of coconut milk (the thick stuff from a can). It's my favourite because not only does it taste delicious, it is also lactose free … Continue reading Dumping Syndrome
18 Kilos Later
On the morning of the 26th September, before heading to the hospital, I stepped onto the scales to find out what I weighed. The number glaring back at me was 76.8kg - the heaviest I had ever been. Fast forward to today: 20 weeks later and I'm now 58.8kg... For a long time, my weight … Continue reading 18 Kilos Later
A Tough Pill To Swallow…
After a Gastrectomy, it's important to take certain supplements to help prevent deficiencies and other issues. After finding out that I'm unable to absorb calcium carbonate without a stomach, (I have degenerative problems in my lower back so the last thing I need is osteoporosis) I went online to search for calcium citrate as I … Continue reading A Tough Pill To Swallow…
Pathology Results!
So today I met with my surgeon and received my results! During my gastrectomy, they removed 27 lymph nodes from my abdomen. I'm pleased to report that all of these were clear! (Surprised at how many were removed - I'm actually curious as to how big/small they are!) In my stomach, they found 2 foci … Continue reading Pathology Results!
Incision – Update
🔪🔪🔪 Proud to show off my battle scar! Healing nicely after a few hiccups along the way 🙈 The top part kept splitting open so it's a lot redder than the rest. I don't think it looks bad to say it was done almost 6 weeks ago!
One Month Update
Weight lost from the 26.09 - 26.10 = 7.7kg My new plumbing! Before and After Photo taken from: https://www.nostomachforcancer.org/ It's been one month since my surgery and I've experienced a few hiccups along the way. I anticipated problems from my new "plumbing" but not the issues I've encountered... Problems with my incision Debilitating back pain … Continue reading One Month Update
Kissing my Stomach Goodbye
On the 26th September, I kissed goodbye to my stomach. Why? Well, to cut a long story short, I inherited a mutation in the CDH1 gene - which means I have an increased chance of developing diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. After a routine gastroscopy in April revealed one of the biopsies to … Continue reading Kissing my Stomach Goodbye
