Mother passed away March 15th in the morning from stomach cancer.

My gracious mother 63 years old passed away yesterday morning from stomach cancer. She was diagnosed in July after having flu like symptoms. My mother had a healthy lifestyle and no family history of cancer. In the initial diagnosis, the doctors felt they caught it early but during the surgery they observed that the cancer had spread to the outside lining of the stomach as signet ring cell carcinoma. When the doctors came out to tell us that they were not able to help her with surgery, as you could imagined we were devastated but on the other hand we were happy to have her come out of surgery alive. The doctors did tell us that this type of cancer was very aggressive and she could have 6 months with Chemotherapy. The next morning we were in my mother’s room with the doctors to deliver the bad news. When the doctor told my mom that the cancer had spread and it was stage 4, my mother didn’t dwell on the bad news. She looked at us and said let’s start Chemotherapy and enjoy each day. Weeks later my mother started Chemotherapy and did extremely well. She had the usual side effects like hair loss and fatigue but maintained an upbeat lifestyle. She watched her diet, stayed away from anything spicy, salty and occasionally had small portions of red meat. To gain extra calories she used supplement drinks. After months of treatment and no visible symptoms of the cancer, we were very optimistic about the future. The Oncologist who was treating my mother said she looked great and was very happy with the treatment plan. My mother used to say throughout this journey, that things are going so well and hopefully the other shoe does not drop. Well, Just two weeks ago, one night when I called my mother, she mentioned to me that she felt different. She said son, I think the other shoe has finally dropped. I felt maybe it was just a bad day for mom. She said she could’t breathe well and went to the hospital. The MRI news was not good, the chemotherapy stopped working and the cancer was now invading other parts of her body. The doctors drain the fluid around her lungs and stomach and said they were out of options and it was in God’s hands now. She came home with family surrounding her, good conversations, and passed peacefully without pain and suffering-I thank GOD for that. This past weekend gave my family and I mixed emotions. We are deeply saded by our loss and will always miss mom but I am truly grateful for the extra time and memories we have shared. My mother demonstrated so much courage and never stopped smiling, caring or loving though out her journey. She never complain or said why me, she was positive and spent each day with a greater purpose. My mom is my hero!