Anyone With Stomach Cancer

My son was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer in July 2004. We have been through several unsuccesful regimes of chemo, incuding Avastin+Cisplatin+Irinotecan, then Capecitabine+docetaxel We are currently deciding on a third chemo. One of the choices is the Folfox regiment, the other is Taxol. We need to make our decision by Mon. What chemo has been sucessful for you? Maria N.

My 33 year old son is battling stage 4 stomach cancer since July 2004. So far all treatments have been unsuccessful. It was just suggested he start on the Folfox regime which includes Oxaliplatin, Flucrouracil and Leucovorin.I believe this is the same treatment your wife was taking. It includes weekly IV, plus a pump for 48 hours. However, we have bee told no radiation. What specifically did they target with radiation? Was it the lymph nodes? Who is your doctor?
Maria N.

Jay,

Read the letter you posted...who was your dr at usc norris?

Bob

Hi Melody,

I am 45 years old and have just been diagnosed with MALT Lymphoma. My GI doctor says he would do 90-100% stomach removal followed by chemo but believes the oncologist will suggest chemo only. Everything I read is so conflicting but seems to lean to trying just chemo first. How did you do with your stomach removal. Do you have any advice or suggestions. Thanks, Sandra

I did very well with my partial gastrectomy. I had about 1/3 to 1/2 of my stomach removed. I do have reflux but that is it! My last 3 PET Scans and other tests have been fine. The doctors think they "got it all" but I know this type cancer can and does return. As for stomach removal, I would not hesitate to have this procedure again. I think it was the best choice for me, as radiation was not presentented to me in a very positive way. I don't regret my choice at all. Hope this helps. Remember, mine was Stage 1 and not through the stomach wall either. God be with you always!
Melody

This helps very much. I haven't seen the oncologist yet but based on what I've heard I'm leaning towards the stomach removal. My gastroenterologist believes it is contained in my stomach so hopefully he is right. Did you also have the MALT Lymphoma or something different? Do they say it always returns and can it then be treated again? Thanks so much and God Bless. Sandra

Yes, I did have Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, specifically MALT type B. It is the very best cancer a person can have I am told as it it easiest to treat, and less deadly if caught early. As for recurrence, it is hard to pin the docs down on a %, but mine says 40-70% MAY have recurrance in the same or different area. Find out what stage you are in! That is imperative to know! I have put you on our family prayer list. Please write when you can, or if I can help in any way!
Hugs and prayers,
Melody

Thanks Melody,

That is exactly the type I have. I do not know what stage and I see an oncologist for the first time tomorrow. Looking through my medical records, docs suspected this nine months ago and never told me so I don't know how long I've had this but my Gastroenterologist thinks it is contained in my stomach although he's talking 90-100% stomach removal and chemo. I'll see what the oncologist has to say and will keep you posted if you don't mind. Thanks so much for your prayers. Sandra

You are most welcome for the prayers! I believe in the power of prayer! Please do keep me posted. This is a beatable cancer so try to remain positive and keep the faith! I do well with what stomach I have had removed and you will too! There are so many resources out there! I do suggest you get a wig BEFORE you have chemo if you plan to use one, so it will be most like your real hair. Less shocking and easier to buy ahead of time for most people. Just a though for you! Keep me posted!!! I care!
Hugs and more prayers,
Melody

Hello All,

I am really at a loss as to how to even post but my wife who is 44 years old was recently diagnosed (2 months ago) with stomach cancer (adenocarcinoma) with linitis plastica. We were referred to a wonderful doctor at MD Anderson in Houston who scheduled a laparoscopy and discovered that the cancer had spread to other parts of the abdomen (peritoneum and abdominal cavity and suspected to the lymphnodes since they were enlarged). She then saw an oncologist who recommended chemotherapy. She is receiving chemo every week (six weeks on and two weeks off). Her strength is really low since she is unable to eat and is being fed through a feeding tube in her abdomen. I am at a loss for anything positive for outcomes. Has anyone heard of anyone surviving this? The doctor said that the chemo is for comfort and not a cure. Does anyone know of a good website to get more detailed information? I am in need of something positive to hold on to hope!