Looking for survivors of stomach cancer

13

Comments

  • fsp220
    fsp220 Member Posts: 3

    The fun I had with cancer
    When I was diagnosed last febuary, my cancer was stage 4. It had taken my entire stomach and spread to my small intestines and there were several hundred small masses in my omentum (thats the fatty stuff that holds your insides together). The tumor was so advanced in my stomach that it caused fissures in my outer stomach wall and internal bleeding. Severe anemia is what got me in to the hospital initially, then after 5 pints of blood, they scoped/biopsied my stomach and found the cancer. Because of the bleeding, I went through surgery first. They removed my entire stomach, two thirds of my small intestines, a small section of large intestine and a lot of the omentum. After surgery, they gave me about 3 weeks to heal up, then I went straight into 21 weeks of the most brutal chemo my oncologist thought I could survive. I'm 36 years old, so they figured they could give me a VERY tough course...and it was. I went through 7 cycles (three weeks each) of cisplatin, taxotere and 5-FU. It was initially going to be 8 rounds, but my side effects became too severe (mostly weight loss and neuropathy) and the treatments were working. Over the course of chemo, I lost about 70 pounds (I started at 185lbs) and the side effects were terrible. Towards the end I felt as though I knew how victims of torture felt...21 weeks of scheduled poisoning sucks. Anyhow, I survived the treatments and have had 2 clear scans and am cancer free. Now, I'm in the process of re-building my body. Trying to put weight back on, which is very difficult with no stomach. Over the course of all this, I've learned tons of tricks for survival and would be more than happy to share if you have any specific questions. I will say, that if it weren't for the unbelievable support and strength of my wife and daughter (and all our friends and family), I never would have done as well as I did. Not to mention my willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. Besides the conventional treatments, we tried everything from diet suppliments to some foul tasting brew made by a Chippewa Medicine Man in Canada. Please, feel free to ask questions...I'll try to answer as best as I can. Keep fighting and when you think you've gone as far as you can...push a little farther. Best wishes to you and your husband.

    WEIGHT Gain
    I am grateful for your comments. Even the strongest, most positive people get weak sometimes. I like you am relatively young. I was diagnosed stage 4 in march 2010, had surgery in June, finished combined radiation and chemo in December 2010. i am 39.I was a body builder, grappler and mixed martial artist. I am 5'6" and used to weigh 200 pounds--now I have been reduced to 130 pounds up from 117! Please tell me how I can gain weight. I had a total gastrectomy and the absorption difficulty from what I understand is the problem.

    thank you and God Bless

    FSP
  • fsp220
    fsp220 Member Posts: 3
    jenene said:

    Very similar story
    My story is so similar to yours. My 38 year old husband was diagnosed wth stage IV diffuse adenocarcinoma in October 2010. He got mets to liver, bone and abdominal lining. They also thought is cancer may be hereditary and want my daughter tested. We went through weeks of ascites but finally they put him on avastin and that seemed to stop, at least clinically anyways. We went through 1st and 2nd line treatment but now good news from that. We started third line treatment last week. Although my husband is done with chemo now. We are going to let nature take its course. I know the end is near. I wish your brother all the best. I know how hard this is watching someone you care for waste away. Hopefully they can find a good treatment for him that will work.

    WEIGHT GAIN
    I am grateful for your comments. Even the strongest, most positive people get weak sometimes. I like you am relatively young. I was diagnosed stage 4 in march 2010, had surgery in June, finished combined radiation and chemo in December 2010. i am 39.I was a body builder, grappler and mixed martial artist. I am 5'6" and used to weigh 200 pounds--now I have been reduced to 130 pounds up from 117! Please tell me how I can gain weight. I had a total gastrectomy and the absorption difficulty from what I understand is the problem.

    thank you and God Bless
  • we_shall_overcome
    we_shall_overcome Member Posts: 1
    Need to know the hospital's name
    Dear dustmagnet7,
    Your overcoming of this dreaded disease has provided a sliver of hope to me and family.

    I request you to kindly share the name of the institute and possibly of the doctor(s) who treated you so that we can also seek help from them.

    Looking forward to your reply with bated breath.

    Regards.
  • agzii
    agzii Member Posts: 1
    CANCER SURVIVAL

    Hi dUSTMAGNET,

     

    I read about your story and wonder if you can share your story with me on how you beat this stage four cancer. My mom has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in the stomach and is now in the hospital. Pls if you can tell me what you did and which doctors or specilaists treated you.

    Agzii

  • Mohamed13
    Mohamed13 Member Posts: 1
    My cousin is really sick

    My cousin in Egypt had stomach and bowl cancer a year ago. He went  through surgery and removed most of his stomach and a small part of his small intestine then chemo then he began regaining his health for a month. Then all of a sudden he started getting horrible cramps 24 hours a day. It has been 2 months since he had eaten and his tummy started getting as rough as cement. He went to doctors and they don't know what is wrong. He is constantly on Morfen to cope with the pain. He did not sleep for two months.

    Any one out there know of someone experienced similar symptoms?

  • Bobbyk
    Bobbyk Member Posts: 1
    Hi

    i have stage 4 cancer. I was diagnosed last year may. stage 4 so no option for operation. I wanted see how you are doing and if you can share your experience. 

  • doris williams
    doris williams Member Posts: 4

    The fun I had with cancer
    When I was diagnosed last febuary, my cancer was stage 4. It had taken my entire stomach and spread to my small intestines and there were several hundred small masses in my omentum (thats the fatty stuff that holds your insides together). The tumor was so advanced in my stomach that it caused fissures in my outer stomach wall and internal bleeding. Severe anemia is what got me in to the hospital initially, then after 5 pints of blood, they scoped/biopsied my stomach and found the cancer. Because of the bleeding, I went through surgery first. They removed my entire stomach, two thirds of my small intestines, a small section of large intestine and a lot of the omentum. After surgery, they gave me about 3 weeks to heal up, then I went straight into 21 weeks of the most brutal chemo my oncologist thought I could survive. I'm 36 years old, so they figured they could give me a VERY tough course...and it was. I went through 7 cycles (three weeks each) of cisplatin, taxotere and 5-FU. It was initially going to be 8 rounds, but my side effects became too severe (mostly weight loss and neuropathy) and the treatments were working. Over the course of chemo, I lost about 70 pounds (I started at 185lbs) and the side effects were terrible. Towards the end I felt as though I knew how victims of torture felt...21 weeks of scheduled poisoning sucks. Anyhow, I survived the treatments and have had 2 clear scans and am cancer free. Now, I'm in the process of re-building my body. Trying to put weight back on, which is very difficult with no stomach. Over the course of all this, I've learned tons of tricks for survival and would be more than happy to share if you have any specific questions. I will say, that if it weren't for the unbelievable support and strength of my wife and daughter (and all our friends and family), I never would have done as well as I did. Not to mention my willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. Besides the conventional treatments, we tried everything from diet suppliments to some foul tasting brew made by a Chippewa Medicine Man in Canada. Please, feel free to ask questions...I'll try to answer as best as I can. Keep fighting and when you think you've gone as far as you can...push a little farther. Best wishes to you and your husband.

    Bless your heart I thought I

    Bless your heart I thought I had it bad but yours is worse I had colon cancer last year they said they cut it all out and I'm grateful but I hurt all the time my Dr doesn't believe in pain pills after the cancer I seemed to have lost a few friends not sure why now loneliness hurts more

  • doris williams
    doris williams Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2021 #49
    clm061794 said:

    depressed grandpa.
    i have a 66 yr old grandfather that was dignosed with stomach cancer about 3 years ago. hes been highly depressed and i was wondering if you would be willing to be an inspiration to him. if you would be willing please contact me at c.mcferrin@yahoo. i would be very greatful.

    courtney

    I'm 66 to and a lonely woman

    I'm 66 to and a lonely woman . My husband has Alzheimer's and I have tried everything to entertain myself from  Newington tv

     

  • Amazonlady
    Amazonlady Member Posts: 1
    Stage IV stomach cancer

    Would like to hear from anyone that has survived stage IV stomach cancer and total gastrectomy. 

  • bags
    bags Member Posts: 1

    Stage IV stomach cancer

    Would like to hear from anyone that has survived stage IV stomach cancer and total gastrectomy. 

    stomach cancer

    I know this won't answer your question, but a friend of my son's had his stomach removed 18 years ago and is doing very well. My husband just had his entire stomach removed July 2015. The though of knowing someone having the same operation and living that long gives me hope. My husband is 57 years old. I don't know if have had or will have your stomach removed but I hope you find this news assuring as well.

  • P4cows
    P4cows Member Posts: 1
    fsp220 said:

    WEIGHT Gain
    I am grateful for your comments. Even the strongest, most positive people get weak sometimes. I like you am relatively young. I was diagnosed stage 4 in march 2010, had surgery in June, finished combined radiation and chemo in December 2010. i am 39.I was a body builder, grappler and mixed martial artist. I am 5'6" and used to weigh 200 pounds--now I have been reduced to 130 pounds up from 117! Please tell me how I can gain weight. I had a total gastrectomy and the absorption difficulty from what I understand is the problem.

    thank you and God Bless

    FSP

    flag on your page

    I do not know if I did something wrong ?? I wanted to receive the comments you get because I am also a gastric suvivor and want to find some way to gain weight, I am getting dangerously low and so not know where to turn, just found this sight and am trying to navigate, I will somehow try to unflag you. Thanks you

  • Dukethedog
    Dukethedog Member Posts: 3
    look for others too with JTube

    Hi had stomach removed on Sept 17, 2015 had tumor near the esphagus and stomach joining. Had three chemo treatments that reduced the size of tumor till was not picked up on pet scan. but still doctor recommended removing whole stomach.  Which pathology report proved that cancer cells still in the stomach.  Being a diabetic, over weight, and 73 years old. played major role in the surgery.  Was in hospital for 40 days due to blood clots, heart attack, and abcess.  Home now and haveing a major problem with eating real food.  Have Jtube take glarcerna 1.5 for 12 hours at night.  None during the day. Small amounts of jello, or popcicle is about all I can keep down.  would like to hear from others who have been through this same surgery.  thanks, Kent Wells

  • Dukethedog
    Dukethedog Member Posts: 3

    look for others too with JTube

    Hi had stomach removed on Sept 17, 2015 had tumor near the esphagus and stomach joining. Had three chemo treatments that reduced the size of tumor till was not picked up on pet scan. but still doctor recommended removing whole stomach.  Which pathology report proved that cancer cells still in the stomach.  Being a diabetic, over weight, and 73 years old. played major role in the surgery.  Was in hospital for 40 days due to blood clots, heart attack, and abcess.  Home now and haveing a major problem with eating real food.  Have Jtube take glarcerna 1.5 for 12 hours at night.  None during the day. Small amounts of jello, or popcicle is about all I can keep down.  would like to hear from others who have been through this same surgery.  thanks, Kent Wells

    Eating real food

    Have a real problem with have a lot of flem like clean thick like substance that I cough up continuely.  And when I try to eat real food like cream potatoes or soft type foods, I seem to feel like it stops so far down.  This cough is tough, Has anyone else that had stomach removed and have a Jtube for some nutrition had this problem.  It is driving me and whole house nuts.  thanks for any help.  Kent.

  • EP2015
    EP2015 Member Posts: 1

    The fun I had with cancer
    When I was diagnosed last febuary, my cancer was stage 4. It had taken my entire stomach and spread to my small intestines and there were several hundred small masses in my omentum (thats the fatty stuff that holds your insides together). The tumor was so advanced in my stomach that it caused fissures in my outer stomach wall and internal bleeding. Severe anemia is what got me in to the hospital initially, then after 5 pints of blood, they scoped/biopsied my stomach and found the cancer. Because of the bleeding, I went through surgery first. They removed my entire stomach, two thirds of my small intestines, a small section of large intestine and a lot of the omentum. After surgery, they gave me about 3 weeks to heal up, then I went straight into 21 weeks of the most brutal chemo my oncologist thought I could survive. I'm 36 years old, so they figured they could give me a VERY tough course...and it was. I went through 7 cycles (three weeks each) of cisplatin, taxotere and 5-FU. It was initially going to be 8 rounds, but my side effects became too severe (mostly weight loss and neuropathy) and the treatments were working. Over the course of chemo, I lost about 70 pounds (I started at 185lbs) and the side effects were terrible. Towards the end I felt as though I knew how victims of torture felt...21 weeks of scheduled poisoning sucks. Anyhow, I survived the treatments and have had 2 clear scans and am cancer free. Now, I'm in the process of re-building my body. Trying to put weight back on, which is very difficult with no stomach. Over the course of all this, I've learned tons of tricks for survival and would be more than happy to share if you have any specific questions. I will say, that if it weren't for the unbelievable support and strength of my wife and daughter (and all our friends and family), I never would have done as well as I did. Not to mention my willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. Besides the conventional treatments, we tried everything from diet suppliments to some foul tasting brew made by a Chippewa Medicine Man in Canada. Please, feel free to ask questions...I'll try to answer as best as I can. Keep fighting and when you think you've gone as far as you can...push a little farther. Best wishes to you and your husband.

    Help!!

    after having the stomach removed due to cancer  What can you eat to stop weight loss? the Neausea is really bad. Trying to find solution weight is close to 95lbs and isnt able

    to keep food down or eat much of it

    Any help is MOST appreciated!!!

     

  • evelone1224
    evelone1224 Member Posts: 5
    amyinsc said:

    Total GASTERECTOMY
    Hello Kia! Let me tell you good news. I'm a 30 year stomach cancer survivor. I had a total gasterectomy in 1981. I have a problem keeping my weight up, but other than having to eat and eat that's my biggest challenge. I do have B-12 shots once a month and that will be FOREVER. I hope sharing my case will give encouragement to you and others. I wish I had had access to a support group like CSN in 1981. I wish you and others well. Talk later! amyinsc

    Happy to know that people do survive from stomach cancer.

    you are my inspiration.  Thank you.

  • evelone1224
    evelone1224 Member Posts: 5
    EP2015 said:

    Help!!

    after having the stomach removed due to cancer  What can you eat to stop weight loss? the Neausea is really bad. Trying to find solution weight is close to 95lbs and isnt able

    to keep food down or eat much of it

    Any help is MOST appreciated!!!

     

    Add all types of oils to your food

    try adding hemp oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc. to your foods.  puts stuff in a blender and purée it.  Just eat small portions constantly.  I had a TG in August 2015. 

  • cel2016
    cel2016 Member Posts: 1
    hi dustmagnet. how are you?

    My husband is 40 stomach cancer survivor. he had total gasterectomy  2014. Like everybody th first year was so difficult. Now he looks great, je's 69 kl-70kl he just lost 7 kilo since he got sick never gain more.  He eats like he do as normal 3x aday brown rice vegetable  fish. Friends sometimes joke at him he eats a lot compare to them. Doctor says eat slowly , eat every 2 hrs  small servings. He hates it so he just adoted to eat as normal almost 2 cups of brown rice and vegetables fish. He drinls every morning green juices  with curcima and ginger , and i thinlk it works, hes ok. 

    But as a wife i want to make sure if  hes gonna be okay  like AMYINSC she' 30 yrs onwards.  My husband scans results last 3 months says hes okay does it mean hes cancer free and he wil notsuffer again

  • lukeanand said:

    My Dad is just home from his Stomach Cancer Operation
    HI All,
    My dad is of 65 years old, he got diagnosed with stomach cancer 3 weeks before and we took him to the best cancer hospital in Chennai, India got him operated. He is feeling better, but please let me know, what are the precautions we should take. What can he eat and how can he live a longer life. Doctor said that he does not need to undergo chemotherapy. What are the steps we need to take to give him more life? Please help us....
    Luke

    Total Gastrectomy Experience

    Hi Can I get a reply from you so we can discuss couple of things.

  • K-leb78
    K-leb78 Member Posts: 4

    Hello amyinsc,keep coming on
    Hello amyinsc,keep coming on this site.Its encouraging for us,I'm a 18-year Breast Cancer survivor but here for my son who was diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer at 30 about 18months ago.He is doing well after total gastrectomy with no weight loss in the last one year.he does not take any special protein drinks;just normal food very very frequently in small amounts.His diet is largely vegetarian with a lot of whole grains,nuts,lentils,brown rice,fresh vegetables and home -made yoghurt.He avoids processed foods,sugar and refined flour(which means he misses his sausages,bacon,salami other than stealing an occasional bite!!)Good wishes

    I was diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer

    Hello there,how is your son doing now?can you advise on a diet please.For me i just had partial gastrectomy and I also struggle with gaining weight.i just want to know if some people did survive this diagnose,please help me out

  • Bgirlsmom2
    Bgirlsmom2 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2020 #61

    The fun I had with cancer
    When I was diagnosed last febuary, my cancer was stage 4. It had taken my entire stomach and spread to my small intestines and there were several hundred small masses in my omentum (thats the fatty stuff that holds your insides together). The tumor was so advanced in my stomach that it caused fissures in my outer stomach wall and internal bleeding. Severe anemia is what got me in to the hospital initially, then after 5 pints of blood, they scoped/biopsied my stomach and found the cancer. Because of the bleeding, I went through surgery first. They removed my entire stomach, two thirds of my small intestines, a small section of large intestine and a lot of the omentum. After surgery, they gave me about 3 weeks to heal up, then I went straight into 21 weeks of the most brutal chemo my oncologist thought I could survive. I'm 36 years old, so they figured they could give me a VERY tough course...and it was. I went through 7 cycles (three weeks each) of cisplatin, taxotere and 5-FU. It was initially going to be 8 rounds, but my side effects became too severe (mostly weight loss and neuropathy) and the treatments were working. Over the course of chemo, I lost about 70 pounds (I started at 185lbs) and the side effects were terrible. Towards the end I felt as though I knew how victims of torture felt...21 weeks of scheduled poisoning sucks. Anyhow, I survived the treatments and have had 2 clear scans and am cancer free. Now, I'm in the process of re-building my body. Trying to put weight back on, which is very difficult with no stomach. Over the course of all this, I've learned tons of tricks for survival and would be more than happy to share if you have any specific questions. I will say, that if it weren't for the unbelievable support and strength of my wife and daughter (and all our friends and family), I never would have done as well as I did. Not to mention my willingness to do whatever it takes to survive. Besides the conventional treatments, we tried everything from diet suppliments to some foul tasting brew made by a Chippewa Medicine Man in Canada. Please, feel free to ask questions...I'll try to answer as best as I can. Keep fighting and when you think you've gone as far as you can...push a little farther. Best wishes to you and your husband.

    Hi Dustmagnet

    Hi Dustmagnet

    My.mom.is 77 yrs old and I was just told she has adeno carcinoma. We go to the oncologist on Nov. 2nd. I don't know much more but I'm scared.