Stomach Cancer

Get copies of every test and procedure done at each visit and keep a folder.  If you don't get them when you speak to the doctor yourself, you may be required to later fill out "medical release" forms which will take forever, etc.  This is important if you need to get to another specialist quickly.

Best of luck-stay strong, positive and focused!

Thanks Steve,

I am so encouraged.  Please give my regards to your lovely wife.  I am glad she is in remission.

How did your kids take the news?

I don't think my grandbabies understand.

Please also keep me posted on her progress.

 What is your wife's name.  I would like to include her in my prayer list.

Thank you.

Great idea!!

I bought him a journal to write out his thoughts..

Will get the folder for medical papers.  The medical jargon is so much!!

My vocabulary has so expanded in the last 2 months..  :)

Jockey

Jockey:

 My wifes name is Lisa.  She remains on chemo including oxaliplatin and now 5 FU since she could no longer take the xeloda.  In another month, she will be reduced to just the 5 FU; next month marks a full year of chemo treatment for her.  She remains in good spirits and in remission.  At this point, it does not appear that their is any recommended course of action and the oncologists are just making it up.  This has been the frustrating part throughout her treatments; different opinions, different options.  They leave it up to us to decide.  Learn what you can, make the best guess, pray!

Thanks..

I appreciate you writing.  I am doing research all the time. Please wish your wife well.

Yes, hi, I was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in May 07, when I was 38.  I had a palliative total gastrectomy, followed by 6 rounds of chemo, and then 25 sessions of radiation.  Today I'm waiting for results from the latest CT.  The key I think is to fight, be positive, and stay busy with other things in your life, as much as possible.

Like your son I have young kids - aged 6, 4, and 1.  They inspire me to beat this for them, for us.

If your son wants to be in touch with me directly I would be pleased, or any other way I can help.  Stay strong.

Thank you for the enocuragement.

I definitely would love for Fred to communicate with you directly.

Pls send me an email by private mail that I can give to my son to contact you 

Thanks.

On 2/28/2008 Jockey wrote:

 

On 2/25/2008 momwithkids wrote:

Good luck to your dad on the 27th.  Be sure to ask alot of questions.  An important question prior to them performing surgery is HOW MANY of the surgeries they have performed prior to his.  Those with the most experience tend to do better.  Please try to get it staged, they can do that without surgery but it requires multiple scans.  They usually start out with endoscopies and/or CT Scans to find out if the cancer is in other locations.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Good luck with your dad.  Please update us after the surgery.

My son was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in mid-December. They said surgery was not an option.  He is going through chemo right now.  Most times I think I am in a dream..  He has a wife adn 2 small kids 5 and 7.  Seems to unfair. Anyone know anyone diagnosed so young?

 

My son also was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer (adenocarcinoma) in June 2006.  He underwent 9 weeks of chemo (cisplatin, etoposide, epirubison and 5FU 24/7), then surgery, then 6 more weeks of chemo and 35 radiation treatments.

They removed his entire stomach and 48 lymph nodes, 23 of these having cancer cells.  During the last round of chemo, he got a staph infection and almost died from that.  He lost 60+ pounds and was extremely ill for the entire period of time.  He had a stomach tube but was unable to use it due to severe reflux from the liquid food.   During radiation they gave him a shot in the stomach every day 20 minutes before the treatment to keep his internal organs from damage.  These shots made him extremely ill - throwing up all day and then it was time for another one the next day.   They had thought the cancer was in his pancreas and spleen - but thank the Lord it was not.  He was Stage III.  Sometimes they can't always stage a person until they get in there.

The GOOD NEWS!!!!!   He is doing great!!!!!!!!  He went back to work last June, 2007, has gain 22 pounds of the weight he lost and feeling better each day.  He still has some stomach cramps when he eats but that is also getting better.   He has 3 children (6,4,2 and expecting another one in September).  The doctor said he would be sterile - so this is just another blessing from God!!!!

Do not give up - there are survivors out there!!!  My son is one of them.  I also keep in contact with 2 other people I met on line - a gentlemen in New York who is 5 years out and a gentlemen in Dallas, TX (which is where we live) who is 2 years out.   Hang in there.....

So glad to hear yor positive news.

Iam so excited to hear your son is doing so well.  He is such a fighter. Tell him to keep up that fighting spirit.

My son is still on the chemo.  He has more fluid buildup in his belly.  They have been draining that every few weeks.  When they do he feels so much better as it pushes against his organs when it fills up.

Otherwise, he is in very good spirits.  Strong in his faith which is just wonderful.  His wife is a wonder woman.  Very strong in the Lord and the encourager.  This illness has brought them even closer, especially in sharing their faith.

Even in the midst of this, we laugh a lot. I have lots of friends from bible study and church that have been bringing food every weekend.

I look forward to Friday nights and Saturdays.  We sit  around with friends and have some good conversation and laughs. 

I am so thankful that my son is not in pain, per se.  He is uncomfortable but not in pain.  The only thing that worries me is his inability to eat.  He continues to drink liquids, though.

I really appreciate this board.  Keep those encouraging messages coming.

Wishing everyone good healing.

Have a wonderful day!!

Jockey