Recurring Stomach Cancer

Hello everyone...  I'm a first time poster.  I was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer in Mar 08.  I had a full gastrectomy and went through chemo and radiation.  I finished my treatments in Aug 08.  My PETSCANS in Dec and in Mar of this year were both clean, so I was happy as a pig in mud.  I thought that I was cured and ready to live life again.  I went back to eating the same and drinking again.(DUMB!!!)  I really never got educated like I should've.  Anyway, I started getting sick again back in May with stomach pain and vomitting bile.  I was in and out of the hospital for a month.  They finally did an exploratory surgery on me and found that the cancer has returned.  My life was turned upside again, but this time it's worse cuz it's spread through my bowels and in the area where my stomach was.  The only treatment available is chemo.  I actually start tomorrow.  I just want others to learn from my mistakes.  If you beat it the first time, please, please do whatever you can to keep it from coming back.  They aren't giving me much time.  I'm 38 years old with a beautiful wife and two small children.  I do not want to die and I will do everything in my power to beat this.  I've started eating totally different.  I'm eating organic and raw veggies and fruits.. I'm juicing and taking supplements that have been proven to kill and fight cancer.  Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else is dealing with recurring stomach cancer and if you have any tips.  I need all the help that I can get cuz I'm not ready to die..  I have faith in the lord.  I know he will give me the strength to battle this.  I pray that one day Cancer is curable as the common cold.  I have a pretty good sense of humor and I laugh alot.. I truly believe that laughter is a very important part in beating this...  I pray you all find your cure..  Peace...  Shawn

I'm very sorry you have joined the recurrent group. I'm glad you have made
some positive changes but please do not blame yourself too much for your
recurrence.

My 52 year old husband did everything right from the first moment
of diagnosis, throughout treatment and he achieved remission. He was in
remission for 10 months before his cancer returned to his colon, one kidney,
bladder and retroperitoneum. He started palliative chemo in November of 2008
and in May his scans looked great. They gave him an 11 week break from chemo
which he desperately needed and wanted and just last week we learned the cancer
is back. Colon, kidneys, bladder
and peritoneum and he just last weekend suffered a small bowel obstruction
which thankfully resolved on its own, but he started chemo again
immediately. 

Don't listen too much to how much time they "give you" it is not
in a physician's control and I bet that no where on your person can you find an
expiration date stamped on you. 

There are some amazing stories on this very forum of people living with
Stage IV gastric cancer, and they are truly living with it. They are inspiring
and hopeful.

Live your life to best you can. Best of luck to you and your family. I hope
your chemo has great results with few side effects.

Blessings,

Lissa

My husband did everything he was told to do, and the cancer came back.  But, if I could do one thing over again from the beginning it would be to be more on top of his food intake.  He has lost his appetite and therefore some serious weight (done to 115 lbs).  This has affected his ability to tolerate chemo treatments, jeopardizing any chance of keeping the disease at bay.

As the surgeon told him in the beginning of this odyssey - make eating a full-time job.  Be dedicated to it.  Too often I wouldn't force the issue because he wasn't feeling well.  I regret this.

Keep talking to people living with cancer.  They are my husband's greatest resource and strength.  They understand in ways I can't.

Remember there IS a five year survival rate (however small), and someone has to be in it.  Why not you?  Fight it daily - the days add up!