On 10/21/2007
Vitae wrote:
HI, I am a 32 yr old female, was diagnosed with stomach cancer stage 4 on June of this year. at that time, they believed that it could be an ovarian cancer, only during surgery they discoverd that I had stomach cancer. they removed my reproductive system and staged, they only found cancer in this area and in the stomach. I was then scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Mann, to remove my stomach on July of this year. by this time my cancer had spread to some lymph nodes, and to my small intestine. on the day of the second surgery they removed my stomach, the nodes, part of the pancreas, and the spleen. during surgery I had chemo that was poured directly into the stomach cavity. after surgery, I had a feeding tube connected to my small intestine to facilitate nutrition, unfortunatly it was hard for me to get anything in, so before leaving the hospital I had a Picc line placed and I am getting TPN. I have not been able to eat much even though they cant find anything wrong with my new digestive system. I need to get rid of the TPN, and then the feeding tube. I need suggestions, I try eating solids but they feel so heavy, my intestines are always hurting, and I always feel like trowing up. I try eating soups, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I am doing chemo I have a constant infusion of 5FU 24/7 and every 3 weeks I get another 2 different chemos. I also need suggestions to get inspired to do exercise or to walk around, since I feel so week with the chemo that I just dont feel like doing anything. I have a great support system, and I am looking forward to being a survivor, my first CTscan came out clean of cancer, my next one is in Nov. and I am hopping for it to be the same as the last one. I have a 5 yr old girl that keeps me on my toes, all I need is to eat and not waste away. thank you for your suggestions
Vitae
I am so sorry to hear of your stomach cancer - but I felt that I needed to send you some encouraging words.
My son (who was 35) was diagnosed with stomach cancer (Stage III Adenocarcinoma) in June, 2006. He went through 9 weeks of chemo (5/FU 24/7 - epirubicen, etoposide, and cisplatin), then he had surgery and they removed his entire stomach and 48 lymph nodes. 22 of the 48 had cancer cells. His spleen, pancreas, liver were all clean. After surgery, he went through another 6 weeks of chemo (same regime) and then 35 treatments of radiation. Every day before the radiation, they would give him a shot in the stomach (can't remember the name of the medicine) but it was to protect his vital organs from all the radiation. He lost 60 pounds during all this time and was very, very sick. He had terrible bouts with "dumping syndrome" and terrible stomach cramps. He had a feeding tube, but was not able to use it because it refluxed back up into his throat. After his surgery and during the second round of chemo, he got a staph infection and almost died from staph. He really went through hell!!!!
The good news is ---------- he is almost 2 years out now and doing really well. He has gained back 22 pounds that he lost and his color is great and he is feeling really well. Probably not perfect - but compared the last year - great!!!!! He is working full-time (has 3 small children and expecting a 4th one in September). They had said he would be sterile - but what do doctors know - right?
He has CT scans every 3 months and so far everything has been good. He is eating everything again - even drinking Dr. Pepper's. He pours them over ice to remove some of the carbonated water and fizz....he still can't drink beer (and he loved it before) but he is alive and well......Praise God!!!
I just wanted you to know that there is hope, you can beat this thing, so hang in there. Just know that each and every day will make you stronger and better. It just takes time. My son had an awful time with diarehea, but that is better now also. He couldn't eat beef at first, but is eating beef now. He still has some cramping when he eats, but that is also getting much better. He eats constantly - trying to gain weight.
I will pray for you - you ask God to heal you and then believe in that healing and just know that God gives us what we ask for when we believe.
God bless you in your struggles but don't give up or give in.
Patti Bond