Reluctant Dieter Going Low-Carb

[SassyMolassy]

So I'm working on an "emergency" pregnancy.

A little background~

A few months ago I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although it's only stage 0 and not really even considered cancer yet, two oncologists have advised that I have a hysterectomy ASAP. For someone who has longed to be a mother since she could remember, having a hysterectomy is simply not an option I am willing to entertain at this time.

I have a few other hurdles to overcome as well - I'm 36 years old, I have low AMH levels (more tests incoming), take medications for depression and AD/HD, and I'm morbidly obese. In my perfect world the plan was to go ahead with gastric bypass, and since I'm perfectly healthy in every other way, pursue babymaking in a year or so. However my perfect world does not exist and I am not so perfectly healthy after all. I'm very much on a timer now and every month that I am not pregnant is another month I am risking my life.

SO! My RE has recommended that I get started right away with a low-carb diet. Diet wut??? I've spent half my life failing at dieting and the other half coming to terms with and accepting that dieting just isn't effective for me. I don't do diets anymore! But I lie, because I'll do anything for a baby.

It's something I have to do. I have to. But wow I feel so lost. And so like, this is against my religion or something. How do I even begin?

 

[sparkle83]

first and foremost, I'm so sorry for what you're going through. google low carb/atkins. It's not easy, but can be done. I'm guessing that they can't give you fertility meds due to the weight and chance of the meds making it worse?

have you considered surrogacy or adoption hon?

 

[muncho]

thats tough!
the good news is if you are that overweight any changes you make will be noticed straight away and hopefully that will encourage you to continue.

You need to have a healthy diet rather than a low carb, eat plenty of fruit and veg and keep moving

good luck!

 

[snowqueen]

So I'm working on an "emergency" pregnancy.

A little background~

A few months ago I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although it's only stage 0 and not really even considered cancer yet, two oncologists have advised that I have a hysterectomy ASAP.

I am confused as why they told you to have an hyserectomy at this stage. With treatment, it usually can be cured when it is caught this early. Plus, you still may be able to have children after treatment. What I am getting at is, if it's this early in diagnosis, I am floored why the two doctors would recommend such a drastic step. Have you considered going for another opinion?


Here are some treatment options, notice the one I bolded. What about that option for you?

•Lymphadenectomy Surgical removal of the lymph nodes. It is common in treating women with cervical cancer.

•Radical Trachelectomy Removal of the cervix and its surrounding tissue while leaving the body of the uterus intact. A radical trachelectomy with lymphadenectomy is an option for young women with early stage disease who wish to maintain fertility.

•Radical Hysterectomy Surgical removal of the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina. In some cases, the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes are removed. A radical hysterectomy may be combine with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

•Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy Surgical removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes. This type of surgery accompanies a hysterectomy is some cases.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is prescribed to treat cervical cancer and also to help radiation therapy be more effective. Chemotherapy drugs work by killing cancer cells or preventing them from multiplying. Several chemotherapy drugs are available to treat cervical cancer and will be prescribed according to the stage of cancer, type of cervical cancer, and other health factors.

https://cervicalcancer.about.com/od/treatment/a/treatment.htm

 

[Millnsy]

Sorry to hear about your health problems. I must say you seem very philosophical about the whole thing so well done you! I have only dieted a couple of times but have friends who have done very well on Slimming World. The philosophy is about "Food Optimising" which is about eating a combination of different food groups whilst staying low fat as well. The good news is that certain foods are "free" which means you can eat as much of them as you like. And honestly, it does work. Again not talking from personal experience but I think the support of a group will really help you stay focused.

Good luck!
PS I don't work for Slimming World and that wasn't a sales pitch - promise!!!

 

[Trying4ever]

Hiya so sorry to hear of your story....must be a terrible thing to go through...there must be other treatments? but either way its a brilliant idea to lose weight.....the BEST way to lose weight is by exercise...its not the food....if you have never exercised before then start of with 10mins and gradually increase every 2-3 days ...i have seen it work with a cousn with my own eyes. now she is a size 10 and doesnt sleep until shes doen 30 mins on the treadmill. you could either buy a treadmill/cross trainer or join the gym.

i know it can be difficult as i have myself been battling to get myself to teh gym for the past 2 months! good luck

 

[JadeyB]

Hi there,

I was curious if any others had had a trachelectomy on this site and what there
experiences were. I came accross this post and wondered if I could help.

I had what was called a partial trachelectomy in July 2007 and am 2 years cancer free. I had stage 1a1 cc, which fortunately for me is the earliest possible stage. I'm confused as why a hysterectomy is considered your only option, also why they would leave you untreated. Pre-cancerous cells maybe, but not usually cc. Maybe I'm missing something.

A trachelectomy can sometimes be carried out on ladies that have a higher stage of cancer but it is based on the individual case. For early stages there are also Lletz treatments and Cone biopsies.

I had a Lletz, cone biopsy and then partial trachelectomy, so if I can help in anyway please let me know.

Wishing you lots of luck, I completely understand you don't want to give up on your dream of holding a baby in your arms.
xx