Stomach Fluid

 

My uncle was diagnosed with advanced stage stomach cancer 2 months ago. In the last 6 weeks, he has lost tremendous amount of weight, in serious pain, cancer spread to bile duct causing jaundice and also lymph nodes. He needs blood transfusion every few days because he is loosing blood every day while vomitting and in stools.

Doctors are recommending surgery to bypass the blockage so food can go in and pain can be reduced. Other doctors recommending radiation to stop the bleeding. We are not sure what procedure to go with.

Another complication came in today, stomach fluid. His abdomen is slightly swollen and doctor wants to see an MRI tomorrow.

 Question : Anyone with similar problems can share their 
experience?

What complications arise from stomach fluid?

 What is the best option given all these complications to keep him comfortable?

Doctors already said he has limited time ( 1 month) but I would like that 1 month to be 1 quality 1 month.

Thanks, 

My father also had stage IV stomach cancer. The fluid you are referring to is likely 'ascites', an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity as a result of the cancer itself, and/or liver problems. The complications you asked about are mainly that it is uncomfortable and, if enough fluid accumulates, it can prevent the lungs from fully expanding, the causing the person to be short of breath all the time. The good news is that this fluid can be drained in an outpatient procedure called parecentisis. My father had this done two times, both times draining several liters of fluid and providing instant comfort. If you'd like, you can go to my father's carepage for more info about the gastric cancer experience:
it's at www.carepages.com and the name of his care page is JimBrandtCarePage (no spaces).

 

Thanks for the information and sorry to hear about your father.

We are now looking at surgery to remove his blockage to let the food go in. The jaundice needs to be controlled first and the doctor is going to drain bile fluid first. I'm worried for my uncle and the family.

 

I am sorry for what you and your family are going through. Sometimes just not knowing what to expect next is the scariest thing on this journey. Maybe the doctor can put in a stent to help drain the bile duct. Your uncle is fortunate to be able to have surgery to remove the blockage. Both of these procedures will give him better quality of life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.