Hello.
I'm new to this site and just returned from a 2-week trip to see my father who has been diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer.
I'm originally from Bolivia, where he still lives. I currently live in Florida.
The doctors there had a very hard time diagnosing as he had no major symptomps until 3 months ago.
He underwent surgery to remove his gald bladder that was full and theirs plans was to attempt a removal of stomach. Unfortunately they found that the liver, pancreas and other organs were affected to the point that they were literally "hardened".
His liver is currently not working and they were hoping it will work once the bile drains out, but it's been 1 week and still nothing. He is currently being fed through a vein.
Anyway, his cancer has progressed incredibly fast and specialists in Bolivia have told my mother and I that there's nothing else they can do. They won't even attempt chemotherapy.
As you can understand, I refuse to give up and I'm desperately searching for options. He has no insurance in the US, but I would do anything I have to do if anybody could give me hope that his life could be at least extended.
I'm pregnant with my first child and my parents' first grandchild, and our biggest hope is that he can live to meet this baby.
Could anybody PLEASE point me in any direction that could be helpful? i.e. gastric cancer centers, financial help for uninsured cancer patients, etc?
I read about ISSELS and will give them a call to see if they may be of any help.
Thanks in advance.
-Valeria.