Has anyone survived stage 4 stomach cancer?

13567

Comments

  • superdad58
    superdad58 Member Posts: 4
    #42
    Gastrectomy in Washington state
    Hi-
    Was searching posts and saw yours about your husband from October. We live in Renton,WA Where in Washington state are you? My husband (58 years old)is fighting stage 3 gastric cancer. We just brought him home yesterday from hospital after a total gastrectomy. Cancer had invaded the muscle layer and was found in 6 of 36 lymph nodes. Aggressive chemo to begin 6 weeks post surgery. Would like to support you and your husband during your cancer struggle. How is he doing?
  • Tannie
    Tannie Member Posts: 2
    #43
    Frank
    Hi Frank,

    How is your brother? My dad just diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, in some lymph nodes & 2 specks on the liver. He was due for total gastrectomy last week. After starting with keyhole & finding the specks on the liver, they did not go ahead with the operation.

    We have not really had someone dedicated to my dad. This all started on 23rd December & he has been shipped between hospitals etc. The last thing was the surgeon saying nothing could be done except maybe chemo & he'll refer us to pallative care. (****).

    Now with the break until Tuesday (due to new year), this is when we see a specialist, you can imagine our stress pain anst lack of sleep tears uncertainty questions and so on.

    Any help, advice, anything, would be appreciated.

    Tanya
  • jenene
    jenene Member Posts: 40
    #44
    superdad58 said:

    Gastrectomy in Washington state
    Hi-
    Was searching posts and saw yours about your husband from October. We live in Renton,WA Where in Washington state are you? My husband (58 years old)is fighting stage 3 gastric cancer. We just brought him home yesterday from hospital after a total gastrectomy. Cancer had invaded the muscle layer and was found in 6 of 36 lymph nodes. Aggressive chemo to begin 6 weeks post surgery. Would like to support you and your husband during your cancer struggle. How is he doing?

    My husband has stage IV
    My husband has stage IV stomach cancer. He is currently undergoing chemo. We live in Maple Valley, Wa. Very close to you. Maybe somehow we can get together. I'm sure we have similar stories and heartbreaks we can talk about. Unfortunately for my husband surgery is not an option.
  • john55
    john55 Member Posts: 2
    #45
    Tonia11 said:

    Wow
    My husband seems to be in the same boat. He has advanced stomach cancer and surgery is not an option. His first round of chemo did not work nor did radiation. He's on his second round of chemo now. So do you still have the stomach tumor? Mets to the liver and lungs were found on his last CT. We were trying to change his diet but he was losing so much weight so fast we had to add some fat to his diet. His weight has stablized a bit so we are going to try adjusting his diet. He does walk every night. Sometimes he gets so winded but he keeps pushing on. By the way, my husband is only 38 yrs old. Your story is very inspiring.

    stomach cancer
    please check into thiS. HIPEC CANCER TREATMENT
  • vfdelgado
    vfdelgado Member Posts: 2
    #46
    i was diagnose with stomach
    i was diagnose with stomach cancer on sept 11,2009 i was 34 stage 3 on oct 2009 they removed 85% of my stomach and i did chemo for 6 month then they told me i was cancer free in june 2010 then on jan 10 2011 they went in to remove tumor on belly but they found that i had several tumor in remaining of stomach now i need more chem they couldnt take tumor out, now i have stage 4 advance. i dont know what else to do. i have 3 children and new husband and im not ready to leave them i need them they need me. i struggle alot been single mom and difficult relationships. finally i found good man 5 yrs ago and he is god send for heaven he took so care of us and hes still doing it.
  • jenene
    jenene Member Posts: 40
    #47
    vfdelgado said:

    i was diagnose with stomach
    i was diagnose with stomach cancer on sept 11,2009 i was 34 stage 3 on oct 2009 they removed 85% of my stomach and i did chemo for 6 month then they told me i was cancer free in june 2010 then on jan 10 2011 they went in to remove tumor on belly but they found that i had several tumor in remaining of stomach now i need more chem they couldnt take tumor out, now i have stage 4 advance. i dont know what else to do. i have 3 children and new husband and im not ready to leave them i need them they need me. i struggle alot been single mom and difficult relationships. finally i found good man 5 yrs ago and he is god send for heaven he took so care of us and hes still doing it.

    Didn't see this post. Sorry
    Didn't see this post. Sorry I just posted to the other post. Should have read this first. How old our your kids? Sounds like we are in a similar situation, Although my husband is not a surgical candidate.
  • darthpaul
    darthpaul Member Posts: 1
    #48
    survior of stage 4 stoumach cancer
    hi my name is paul i was dig. on 09-09-09 lol wow what a lucky number huh , i did 4 different chemo every three weeks for five months , i went from 190lbs to 150 lbs in a month i thought life was over until a started talking to others who have stage 4 cancers , then i made a decission I WANT TO LIVE ! so i fought back my additude changed i became more loving and caring towards others i found a humor that has been a big thing against this diseae of mine , i try to help others everyday , i pray before i get out of bed ( having a god to pray to has been a very big dealfor me ) , i use to play the rocky theme song to motivate me there is so much i can say but my fav. qoutes are ....f*ck cancer .... and chemo is what all the cool kids are doing lol sorry but this is the humor i have to have to fight!!! call me if you need im hear 619-905-5477 or go on to face book and look for paul t legler and ask to add me ...together we can fight this horrible disease!!! , i make my self rewards when i get there like i went to hawaii for my 1 year survior date , at 2 years i am doing it again or take a cruise to alaska ..but this is what i do ! please you are not alone !! we are here for you please contact me on face book . ask your doctor about herceptin it is a antibody that i have been on since my chemo treatments.........god bless all of us
  • Eric Grush
    Eric Grush Member Posts: 10
    #49
    darthpaul said:

    survior of stage 4 stoumach cancer
    hi my name is paul i was dig. on 09-09-09 lol wow what a lucky number huh , i did 4 different chemo every three weeks for five months , i went from 190lbs to 150 lbs in a month i thought life was over until a started talking to others who have stage 4 cancers , then i made a decission I WANT TO LIVE ! so i fought back my additude changed i became more loving and caring towards others i found a humor that has been a big thing against this diseae of mine , i try to help others everyday , i pray before i get out of bed ( having a god to pray to has been a very big dealfor me ) , i use to play the rocky theme song to motivate me there is so much i can say but my fav. qoutes are ....f*ck cancer .... and chemo is what all the cool kids are doing lol sorry but this is the humor i have to have to fight!!! call me if you need im hear 619-905-5477 or go on to face book and look for paul t legler and ask to add me ...together we can fight this horrible disease!!! , i make my self rewards when i get there like i went to hawaii for my 1 year survior date , at 2 years i am doing it again or take a cruise to alaska ..but this is what i do ! please you are not alone !! we are here for you please contact me on face book . ask your doctor about herceptin it is a antibody that i have been on since my chemo treatments.........god bless all of us

    darthpaul,
    I like your
    darthpaul,

    I like your attitude. Attitude, faith and humor -- that is a great way to fight this. I was diagnosed with stage IV October 2010. Just added you on facebook.
  • RandyHillard
    RandyHillard Member Posts: 2
    #50
    darthpaul said:

    survior of stage 4 stoumach cancer
    hi my name is paul i was dig. on 09-09-09 lol wow what a lucky number huh , i did 4 different chemo every three weeks for five months , i went from 190lbs to 150 lbs in a month i thought life was over until a started talking to others who have stage 4 cancers , then i made a decission I WANT TO LIVE ! so i fought back my additude changed i became more loving and caring towards others i found a humor that has been a big thing against this diseae of mine , i try to help others everyday , i pray before i get out of bed ( having a god to pray to has been a very big dealfor me ) , i use to play the rocky theme song to motivate me there is so much i can say but my fav. qoutes are ....f*ck cancer .... and chemo is what all the cool kids are doing lol sorry but this is the humor i have to have to fight!!! call me if you need im hear 619-905-5477 or go on to face book and look for paul t legler and ask to add me ...together we can fight this horrible disease!!! , i make my self rewards when i get there like i went to hawaii for my 1 year survior date , at 2 years i am doing it again or take a cruise to alaska ..but this is what i do ! please you are not alone !! we are here for you please contact me on face book . ask your doctor about herceptin it is a antibody that i have been on since my chemo treatments.........god bless all of us

    Stage 4 Stomach Cancer: Getting a little discouraged
    Thank you for your comments, Paul. I have friended you on Facebook. I was diagnosed 12/21/2010. Cancer completely resected with partial gastrectomy, but stage 4. Started infusions 1/14/2011. Oxaliplatin plus Herceptin every three weeks. Oral Xeloda daily for two weeks. A week off, then repeat. I know that I am very, very fortunate, having excellent insurance and having an employer who is paying me while I am on six months disability, & getting "state of the art" treatment. I am 59 and in otherwise good health. My wife is supportive. My children are grown and looking after themselves. I am making ends meet financially. My side effects are really not all that bad, some nausea about half the time and some unpleasant tingling in my hands when they get cold. Lots to be happy about.

    Still and all, I am feeling a little discouraged just now. I have had three infusions. Six or eight more to go for the oxaliplatin and maybe more for the Herceptin. I live in Michigan and look out every day on the snow, which has been on the ground for months. I tell myself that the snow will eventually melt and that I will eventually finish my initial rounds of chemotherapy, but I am feeling stuck in a bad time warp. Chemotherapy probably increases median survival time from two years to three years, but I am starting to wonder whether or not it is really worth it.

    I guess that everybody getting treatment for stage 4 gets into this state of mind from time to time. Any suggestions for getting out of it?

    Thank you for all suggestions.
  • OYONG
    OYONG Member Posts: 3
    #51
    RandyHillard said:

    Stage 4 Stomach Cancer: Getting a little discouraged
    Thank you for your comments, Paul. I have friended you on Facebook. I was diagnosed 12/21/2010. Cancer completely resected with partial gastrectomy, but stage 4. Started infusions 1/14/2011. Oxaliplatin plus Herceptin every three weeks. Oral Xeloda daily for two weeks. A week off, then repeat. I know that I am very, very fortunate, having excellent insurance and having an employer who is paying me while I am on six months disability, & getting "state of the art" treatment. I am 59 and in otherwise good health. My wife is supportive. My children are grown and looking after themselves. I am making ends meet financially. My side effects are really not all that bad, some nausea about half the time and some unpleasant tingling in my hands when they get cold. Lots to be happy about.

    Still and all, I am feeling a little discouraged just now. I have had three infusions. Six or eight more to go for the oxaliplatin and maybe more for the Herceptin. I live in Michigan and look out every day on the snow, which has been on the ground for months. I tell myself that the snow will eventually melt and that I will eventually finish my initial rounds of chemotherapy, but I am feeling stuck in a bad time warp. Chemotherapy probably increases median survival time from two years to three years, but I am starting to wonder whether or not it is really worth it.

    I guess that everybody getting treatment for stage 4 gets into this state of mind from time to time. Any suggestions for getting out of it?

    Thank you for all suggestions.

    Need some Advice
    hi:

    hi... this is Mario Paculdo from Philippines,am 22 years old,fourth year college student at the same time working as an agent. need some advice from you guys.
    My mom was diagnose for gastric cancer last January 2011...STAGE 3B last february 2011 and last March 3 2011 it was already STAGE4. we choose not have any surgery being done and instead TUBE JEJENUSTOMY was done, in order for her to eat.. (internal feeding) chemo was not an option either because my mom is 56years old and if we will insist to have the chemo being done the doctors cant guarrantte any good because she lost weight much from 143lbs down to 85 lbs in a spam of 3 months..
    were still in shock untill now.. and we dont know what to do...!
    Am now searching for apricots seeds,carrot juice,and first vita plus as to what it could help.

    i need more suggestions,hope i can get feedback from this site..
    Thank you so much.
  • neverquit
    neverquit Member Posts: 220 Member
    #52
    OYONG said:

    Need some Advice
    hi:

    hi... this is Mario Paculdo from Philippines,am 22 years old,fourth year college student at the same time working as an agent. need some advice from you guys.
    My mom was diagnose for gastric cancer last January 2011...STAGE 3B last february 2011 and last March 3 2011 it was already STAGE4. we choose not have any surgery being done and instead TUBE JEJENUSTOMY was done, in order for her to eat.. (internal feeding) chemo was not an option either because my mom is 56years old and if we will insist to have the chemo being done the doctors cant guarrantte any good because she lost weight much from 143lbs down to 85 lbs in a spam of 3 months..
    were still in shock untill now.. and we dont know what to do...!
    Am now searching for apricots seeds,carrot juice,and first vita plus as to what it could help.

    i need more suggestions,hope i can get feedback from this site..
    Thank you so much.

    Mario, I am very sorry to
    Mario, I am very sorry to hear about your Mom. I know how devastating this type of cancer can be. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer 6/21/10; he passed away on 1/23/11 at the age of 54 after a courageous fight (they tried 4 different chemo regimens from July through Jan.). He went from 186 pounds (very fit, good eating habits and pretty much a non-smoker) to 123 pounds in a few months. He was showing improvement, but then the cancer got resistant; and this is a very aggressive type of cancer.

    Even though he ate pretty well, we changed to mostly organic food when he was diagnosed. We also tried to make sure he ate/drank foods/drinks that were alkalizing rather than acidifying (got the list from his Oncologist as well as on-line). We did fresh juicing at home (carrot/apple/broccoli) and we tried to make sure he ate/drank high (but good) calorie food. Mike would drink a Boost a day (he would have had more but they made him nauseated at times) and he usually finished the evening with ice cream. He stayed away from sugar (used stevia to add sweetness) and switched to sea salt, rather than regular salt. For more calories, he also ate bananas and peanut butter (usually in a vanilla milk shake with his ice cream at night). These are things we read in the Anti-Cancer book as well as information we got from nutritionists.

    I hope this helps and I will pray for your Mom. I know it is difficult, but please try to keep your Mom upbeat and fighting this dreadful disease. There have been people who have beaten this beast and that is what she must stay focused on. God bless you and your family.
  • jangolden
    jangolden Member Posts: 3
    #53
    OYONG said:

    Need some Advice
    hi:

    hi... this is Mario Paculdo from Philippines,am 22 years old,fourth year college student at the same time working as an agent. need some advice from you guys.
    My mom was diagnose for gastric cancer last January 2011...STAGE 3B last february 2011 and last March 3 2011 it was already STAGE4. we choose not have any surgery being done and instead TUBE JEJENUSTOMY was done, in order for her to eat.. (internal feeding) chemo was not an option either because my mom is 56years old and if we will insist to have the chemo being done the doctors cant guarrantte any good because she lost weight much from 143lbs down to 85 lbs in a spam of 3 months..
    were still in shock untill now.. and we dont know what to do...!
    Am now searching for apricots seeds,carrot juice,and first vita plus as to what it could help.

    i need more suggestions,hope i can get feedback from this site..
    Thank you so much.

    same boat
    Hello Oyong,
    My sister is in the same situation. She cannot eat anything, we just have to give her IV. The doctors at PGH sent her home but she was still strong 4 weeks ago now she is weakening. What hospital is your mom in today? How is the tube jejenustomy done? My sister has NGT(nasal gastric tube) to clean her stomach. Kindly share us what options did they give you about your mom? Thank you and we have to keep the faith until the end.
    Take care,
    jgolden
  • jangolden
    jangolden Member Posts: 3
    #54
    RandyHillard said:

    Stage 4 Stomach Cancer: Getting a little discouraged
    Thank you for your comments, Paul. I have friended you on Facebook. I was diagnosed 12/21/2010. Cancer completely resected with partial gastrectomy, but stage 4. Started infusions 1/14/2011. Oxaliplatin plus Herceptin every three weeks. Oral Xeloda daily for two weeks. A week off, then repeat. I know that I am very, very fortunate, having excellent insurance and having an employer who is paying me while I am on six months disability, & getting "state of the art" treatment. I am 59 and in otherwise good health. My wife is supportive. My children are grown and looking after themselves. I am making ends meet financially. My side effects are really not all that bad, some nausea about half the time and some unpleasant tingling in my hands when they get cold. Lots to be happy about.

    Still and all, I am feeling a little discouraged just now. I have had three infusions. Six or eight more to go for the oxaliplatin and maybe more for the Herceptin. I live in Michigan and look out every day on the snow, which has been on the ground for months. I tell myself that the snow will eventually melt and that I will eventually finish my initial rounds of chemotherapy, but I am feeling stuck in a bad time warp. Chemotherapy probably increases median survival time from two years to three years, but I am starting to wonder whether or not it is really worth it.

    I guess that everybody getting treatment for stage 4 gets into this state of mind from time to time. Any suggestions for getting out of it?

    Thank you for all suggestions.

    YOU MUST FIGHT
    Hello Randy,
    Please do not be discouraged. you have better chances than my sister she is 53. The doctors has sent her home after finding that the cancer has spread to her stomach. Her lungs are clear and other organs and yet the doctors set-up an NGT(to clean her stomach) with IV and said that there is nothing that they can do for her. She cannot eat anything, and getting weaker everyday but keeps on hoping that she can be healed. She is now under homeotherapy hospital. Please continue your treatment do it for your family at least.
    With love,
    jgolden
  • OYONG
    OYONG Member Posts: 3
    #55
    jangolden said:

    same boat
    Hello Oyong,
    My sister is in the same situation. She cannot eat anything, we just have to give her IV. The doctors at PGH sent her home but she was still strong 4 weeks ago now she is weakening. What hospital is your mom in today? How is the tube jejenustomy done? My sister has NGT(nasal gastric tube) to clean her stomach. Kindly share us what options did they give you about your mom? Thank you and we have to keep the faith until the end.
    Take care,
    jgolden

    hi jangolden
    hi jangolden..you can add me in facebook so we can share some thoughts.
    we were in Las Pinas Doctors Hospital last Jan.,we xfer ot Olivarez hospital last feb.,and eventually were now in PGH. pm me first @ fb.thanks!
  • idedona
    idedona Member Posts: 7
    #56
    OCTOMAN said:

    stomach cancer
    just to say 7 years ago I was diagnoesed with stomach cancer which had spread to my liver and kidneys,so no surgery possible or radiation either.My cancers do not respond to it.so chemo was the only option.But Ilive in England where treatment is free,so long waiting lists. So I too went to the immune system,fruit,exersize and no meat but I also went for no stress and plenty of relaxation I must not get tense,lose my temper,get angry,ect.after 2 years no chemo I had a PET scan(The travelling PET scan,was in a big van) had arrived in my town the scan showed the liver and kidney cancers were dormant but my stomach cancer was still active.So had immune system boosting worked,or was the surgeon's opinion I had liver and kidney cancers wrong that my late diagnoses meant the cancer had spread? (I had my first symtoms 12years ago and a barium meal and x-ray test,the diagnoses was I did not show a cancer only inflamation.I went on for heart tests then they found my heart was in great shape.Psychological tests.Any way,this is my experience,make of it what you will.Did you know they are working on a vaccine for cancer treatment that would help the immune system PS They wanted to remove my stomach and investigate my liver,after the PET scan result.But I would only agree to the cancer removal, they did not agree to that. They believed in maximum treatment.They have lost a lot of court cases through under treatment. by the way I will be eighty next year.I presume.

    the power of healing
    i'm glad to hear that you are doing well. my brother 34 has stage 4 stomach cancer. i do believe that the body has the power to heal itself naturally. detoxify and boosting your immune system whether it be with Vit C or enzymes is a good thing. i want my brother to live to 80 and so on.
    iliana
  • idedona
    idedona Member Posts: 7
    #57
    Sung78 said:

    My dad has stage 4 also, 53
    I teared reading your post, u r so close in age and diagnosis as my daddy. We found out a few weeks ago and worse, it's spread to mod of his liver - mo chance of surgery. I'm in a state of depression, my dad has always been my best friend. We've been given a maximum time line around 2 years and reading ur post makes me feel better that we really might get that much more time. Best of luck to you ... My dads diet was just like yours previously w tobacco, liquor etc, but neither of you deserved this. ;)

    integrated treatments
    have you looked into integrated treatments where they use chemo sensitivity testing to see which chemo drug is most effective. they mix conventional and alternative treatments to compliment each other. Germany they do IPT and hyperthermia together and have had very positive results.

    iliana
  • rohan312
    rohan312 Member Posts: 2
    #58
    jangolden said:

    YOU MUST FIGHT
    Hello Randy,
    Please do not be discouraged. you have better chances than my sister she is 53. The doctors has sent her home after finding that the cancer has spread to her stomach. Her lungs are clear and other organs and yet the doctors set-up an NGT(to clean her stomach) with IV and said that there is nothing that they can do for her. She cannot eat anything, and getting weaker everyday but keeps on hoping that she can be healed. She is now under homeotherapy hospital. Please continue your treatment do it for your family at least.
    With love,
    jgolden

    Hi all,
    My name is Rohan. My
    Hi all,

    My name is Rohan. My aunt, who is 56 and based out of India has stomach cancer that has metasized to the ovaries. She was diagnosed in October and she had her stomach removed. I am not sure what medication she is taking. Do you have any suggestions?

    Would it be possible for her to travel to the US to participate in clinical trials? I have already suggested that she take B17.

    Thanks to all of you. I had earlier worked in Drug Delivery with specifics to Chemotherapy. People like you so inspire me to do my research. Two weeks back I lost my supervisor to cancer as well.
  • mukul
    mukul Member Posts: 1
    #59
    Where ur Aunt treated Rohan
    Hi Rohan,
    My Mother is 48 detected with stomach cancer metasized to ovaries,but doctors said no to surgery,
    Where your Aunt had a surgery,did doctors suggest surgery on thier own
  • NicoleMarrero
    NicoleMarrero Member Posts: 1
    #60
    jenene said:

    same story
    My husband is also 38 and just found out he has stage IV cancer which has spread to the liver. He is about to start his first round of chemo tomorrow. It doesn't look good. He is pretty much ready to die which is not good. I have a 3 and 1/2 year old dughter. If you want to ever talk let me know. I live in Washington state.

    same story
    Hello Jenene, I read your post today and was wondering how your husband was doing now (I see that it has been months since you wrote). My husband, who just turned 35, was diagnosed with Stage IV GastroEsophagal Cancer (GE junction cancer) with metastasis to the liver and lymph nodes. He has had three rounds of FOLFOX chemotherapy, but we won't know how the cancer is responding until he gets another CT Scan, which the oncologist will do after 6 or 8 treatments. I'd like to know what kind of chemo your husband is having and what his response has been. Also, I have an 8 month old baby and a 5 year old, so I understand exactly what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and your family and I pray that this note finds you and the rest of your family well. If you'd like to talk, please write. Take care.
  • tiffany32882
    tiffany32882 Member Posts: 3
    #61
    stomach cancer
    Hi I'm 28 and just got diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer my treatment starts next Thursday they are gonna put me on folfox clinical trail I wonder how the treatment like please respond I don't really know what to eat too they found two big tumors in my stomach and its been spreaded everywhere in my stomach they won't do surgery they told me I got a year with chemo and that it my parents are still in shock of my age and whats hurting to them is that have 3 kids as well please tell me whatever I need to be prepared thanks everyone.

Discussion Boards