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Hi Everyone

I was searching for information on Stage iV Stomach Cancer when I came across this message board.  I've read through quite a few messages and have come to realize we are in for quite a battle.

My father in law was diagnosed in mid January 08.  He went in for surgery at the end of January but they were unable to operate because the cancer had penetrated through the stomach wall and was in the peritoneum in various places.  I don't think any other organ was infected (that I know of).  I have since been in touch with an Oncologist here in Dallas and MD Anderson in Houston.  I heard today that MD Anderson would like to meet and examine him for one of their trials on Monday 2/25.  (Does anyone know anything about MD Anderson and their trials??).  My father in law had his port put in yesterday and an EKG today to prepare him for the treatment.  If MD doesnt take him, he will start treatment ASAP in Dallas.

My father in law doesn't have any symptoms and still doesn't.  This was found because he has gall stones.  He eats fine, has no pain or discomfort, his abdomen is not extended.... this is all such a shock.

I have no idea what to expect or how bumpy this road will be to travel. I appreciate any advice.

Thanks for listening, Karen

On 2/19/2008 DallasTX wrote:

Hi Everyone

I was searching for information on Stage iV Stomach Cancer when I came across this message board.  I've read through quite a few messages and have come to realize we are in for quite a battle.

My father in law was diagnosed in mid January 08.  He went in for surgery at the end of January but they were unable to operate because the cancer had penetrated through the stomach wall and was in the peritoneum in various places.  I don't think any other organ was infected (that I know of).  I have since been in touch with an Oncologist here in Dallas and MD Anderson in Houston.  I heard today that MD Anderson would like to meet and examine him for one of their trials on Monday 2/25.  (Does anyone know anything about MD Anderson and their trials??).  My father in law had his port put in yesterday and an EKG today to prepare him for the treatment.  If MD doesnt take him, he will start treatment ASAP in Dallas.

My father in law doesn't have any symptoms and still doesn't.  This was found because he has gall stones.  He eats fine, has no pain or discomfort, his abdomen is not extended.... this is all such a shock.

I have no idea what to expect or how bumpy this road will be to travel. I appreciate any advice.

Thanks for listening, Karen

 

Hi Karen,

Sorry to hear about your father in laws diagnosis.  I recently lost my sister to stomach cancer so I feel your pain.  From what I have heard/read MD Anderson is one of the best places and I would be thrilled with the opportunity to do a clinical trial.  Of course you will want to get all the info on it first.  I hope everything goes well for you.  Keep us posted.

 Amy

Hi Karen,

Sorry you had to come visit this board. There is a lot of great info here and people more than willing to answer questions. Trials such as those at MD Anderson are really the only way for someone to come up with a treatment plan that will work against this terrible cancer. As there are only about 22,000 cases per year in the United States, it sure doesn't get the research dollars needed for a "cure". If your father-in-law can get into a trial, I would do it in a heartbeat. Most of the other treatment plans involve chemo designed for breast and/or ovarian cancer. We have had great luck with oxaliplatin, epirubicin, and xeloda. Just came up on one year since diagnosis and the 14th chemo treatment, still using the same drugs. Still no major side effects and still feeling good enough to travel, a lot. Hope he can live life to it's fullest every day. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Cheers,

Scott

Thank you for a great message Scott. 

We have good news.  We found out yesterday that he did get accepted into the trial.  He will begin treatment on Monday.  His spirits are high!

I will let everyone know what combination of drugs when I know.  I can't remember now what they said.  I will also update his progress frequently so others who are going through the same or similar treatment can compare.

Thank you everyone for the postive messages and prayers.