Cancer Survivors Network

Hello Evie,

We encourage you to also post your message on the rare and other cancers discussion board. This could be another way to reach out to other CSN members who might be going through a similar experience. You may also use our search function to locate others with this type of cancer.

Be well,
Your CSN Staff

Hi, Evie!
My dad was diagnosed with G.I.S.T. in 2005. He saw a doctor about his stomach pain and life-long indigestion issues...later an MRI reveald a large apple-sized tumor on the outside of his stomach. It was completely removed, and he was put on a clinical trial for Sutent for over a year. He's had check-ups every 3 and then 6 months, and there has been no change...that the MRI sees anyway. Today he is 71 years old, and is doing well. Praying that this new med will be just what your body needs. The good thing I remember hearing about GIST is that it is a slow-growing form of cancer. My dad's doctor even called it pre-cancerous instead.
Hope that helps some. I know it's tough when you tell people what your diagnosis is and they say, "What is that?!?!?!" My husband recently passed away from a rare form of colorectal cancer. It was so difficult to explain why his cancer was so aggressive compared to other colon cancer.

Blessings,
Michelle