Latest Stomach Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/stomach-cancer/1,0,119,9.htm Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I just want to thank everyone who takes the time to post to this board and provide their experiences and insights.  My 84 year old dad was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer in December 07 and continues to fight this.  We saw the oncologist today and although his recent gastroscopy revealed his initial tumor is slightly smaller (it was originally about the size of a quarter), the CT scan showed the lymph nodes were larger.  This has led to some additional heartburn type issues he is experiencing.  I should say that he has been off chemo for almost 2 months - due to a bad reaction to irinotichan and subsequent hospitalization for 10 days.  His oncologist today was unusually somber, saying the lymph nodes had grown despite the slight shrinkage of the tumor.  He was saying that he was more limited in chemo alternatives.  Thanks to this board, I mentioned what about trying oxalplatinum and 5FU.  He decided to move forward with this regimen giving him smaller doses each week as opposed to hitting with too strong of a dose of the cisplatinum.  I sure hope my dad is as successful with this regimen as others have been.   Thank you for providing me with the information to even suggest this.  I appreciate you all and pray for you and your loved ones.  Rosemarie http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24074,0.htm speranza Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer on 4/30/08. He has had a CT scan and a PET scan since. The PET scan results were better than the CT and currently the cancer is localized within the stomach with a possible 1 cm met to a lymph node. We have 2 options in moving forward and I would like to solicit advice:1) direct surgery to remove the entire stomach, then chemotherapy after my dad recovers from the surgery2) pre-operative chemotherapy/radiation for 6 weeks, then surgery, then more chemo/radiationIf we opt for the second option, we have to do a laparoscopy biopsy first which we cannot do until 5/29 (due to the surgeon's schedule) to determine if the 1 cm lymph node is indeed a met. Then, we would schedule the chemo or surgery which may not happen for another month! We're concerned with the lag time as we don't want the cancer to spread any further. But at the same time, I've been reading that doing chemo before surgery is a good way to shrink the tumors and prevent any further spreading.At this point we are feeling that option 1 would be best but we we want to make sure we choose the best option since this is a huge decision. Any suggestions to this would be much appreciated. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24024,0.htm jasmine212 Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT From other messages on this forum,i have read where patients have had a significant amount of their Lymph Nodes removed during their surgery.I am wondering why my hubbys doctor, said that my husbands nodes were to big, and also to many to remove.The catscan and petscan revealed this to be the case.On tuesday his surgeon is going to do a laparscopy and take a look around, and do a biopsy of these lymph nodes.I feel it would have been best to open up his abdomen and remove what he can, there and there...I would really appreciate other views about this........Best wishes from joy. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24022,0.htm blins00 Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband woke up today with a croakie voice and he thought he remembered some bile stuff come up in his throat,during the night.He still has his stomach,and is having a laparoscopy this tuesday , there are some large lymph nodes present and his doctor wants to do a biopsy of them, and have a look around.,The petscan showed that his liver was ok,.His doctor is wondering if my hubby might have lymphona as well,because his petscan was unusual,,.If thats the case his doctor said, another operation will be done to remove the stomach,,the doctor also said the lymph nodes are too big, and there are to many of them to remove, so chemo will follow.on,,I love and feel for him such a lot,Best wishes and hugs,from joy, http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24006,0.htm blins00 Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am new to this message board, actually looking for information for last stages of stomach cancer. My dad is 79 years old and was first diagnosed with stomach cancer in January of 2000, over eight years ago.  He had a total gastrectomy that month with no chemotherapy or radiation.  Two small lesions were found on his liver in March of 2003 at which time he began chemotherapy.  After approximately 18 months of chemo, his oncologist found that the lesions had actualy shrank considerably, and he did not have chemo again until the summer of 2007 after a scan indicated that he had multiple small lesions on his liver.  He has not had chemo since February of 2008.Unfortunately, my dad's health has declined drastically over the last few months.  He was living alone in his home until March when he was hospitalized due to cellulitis.  He is currently in a rehabilitation facility and was looking forward to moving into an assisted living apartment.   Now I am being told that he will need to move into the skilled nursing area because of the problems he is now having with edema and weeping wounds.  Obviously, his cancer has been very slow progressing, and I wonder if this is the normal progession. He is in a lot of pain, and I hate to see him suffer like this.  It seems that as soon as they seem to get the edema under control, within a few days it is back again.  Has anyone had similar experience? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23994,0.htm woodlebugs Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT And you learn that you can endureThat you really are strongAnd you really do have worthAnd you learn and learnWith every goodbye you learn God bless all of you http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23961,0.htm jan1425 Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT After a while you learn the subtle differenceBetween holding a hand and chaining a soulAnd you learn that love doesn't mean leaningAnd company doesn't mean securityAnd you begin to learn that kisses aren't contractsAnd presents aren't promisesAnd you begin to accept your defeatWith your head high up and your eyes openWith the faith of a woman, not the grief of a childAnd you learn to build all of your roads on todayBecause tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plansAnd futures have a way of falling down in mid-flightAfter a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too muchSo plant your own garden and decorate your own soulInstead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23960,0.htm jan1425 Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My mother in law has now developed pneumonia after surgey. Has anyone else had this happen? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23948,0.htm jan1425 Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT  My mother inlaw had surgery on the 6th, they did remove the upper portion of her stomach and part of her esophageous. The dr. said the tumor was the size of a large lemon. The pathologist said no spreading to the nodes or liver. As of yet no chemo has been mentioned. She is still in ICU and having difficulty tolerating the pain meds,she has never taken any. She is having problems with fluid as well. Her spirits are great and she is a fighter. We need more info on proper nutrition after this surgery. God bless everyone and take care.jan http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23903,0.htm jan1425 Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi everyone, A few months ago, I posted an email about my husband being diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer. Since then, we have gone through 2 cycles of chemo and got great reports on my husband's last CT scan from May 1st. It had showed a reduction in his cancer in the stomach as well as his abdominal cavity. We are so excited and we are not giving up. His doctors were even so surprised to see such great results this early into his chemo. We believe it is a mixture of great chemo drugs, faith, exercise, a good diet, and a good attitude. I just wanted everyone out there who are going through this to not ever give up and to have faith. My husband's chemo drugs are oxyiplatin, Taxotere, and erbitux(sorry if those are misspelled). Dan, my husband has had few side effects and is getting to return to work on Monday or Tuesday of next week. At the beginning of this journey, I thought I would never see my husband happy again. We still have a long adventure to go, but we are going to make it. So whatever journey you are on or your friend, family-member, please tell them to never give up and to keep living!!! Thank you to all those who have kept me motivated when I thought all was lost. Thank you for helping me, help my husband. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23863,0.htm staceyvansc Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My mother in law was diagnosed with stomach cancer 12/07 and has already undergone intensive chemo & then a partial gastrectomy (4/18).  They gave her chemo first which lasted for c. 2 months and she had "push" chemo as well as a pump she wore every day.  After the surgery they said that she had some stomach cancer on her colon but didn't see anything else.  I'm guessing she's Stage 3A just from what I found on the internet.  She told me today that it's adenocarcinoma and that they'll be starting her on some nutrition thing through her port.  They have been changing her treatment plan it feels like every day.  The latest is to do 5fu chemo for a while and then the radiation depending on her response to the chemo.  I just feel like I'd like the Dr to explain more to her, tell her more about her cancer and give her a realistic prognosis.  Just reading over some of these posts it seems like the struggle can last for years and there is really no cure.  I just don't even know what to ask anymore and am afraid we'll miss something. It's hard to advocate for someone if you don't know what to advocate for.  Just looking for suggestions, tips, and a realistic look at where we're at right now.   We're living in different states and can't physically be there for her so part of this is frustration at feeling helpless to assist!  Thanks for listening.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23831,0.htm LearningDaily Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT good evening to all. i just wanted to update that my dear father passed away. after an almost 10 month battle he is now cancer free and at peace. my hero in life, is now also my guardian angel.on march 10th we got some good news and i posted that. but on april 14th our world turned upside down and my dad took a turn for the worse and spent the last 24 days in the hospital.i am thankful that he was pain free and happy throughout his last days. he passed with his family surrounding him with support and love.i cannot thank all of you enough for all of the support, info & prayers. this is such a tough journey. keep your faith. keep your hope alive and well. and never, never give up! my dad went out fighting with all his might. cancer is the enemy and can be beaten. all my best to all of you. my prayers will continue on for all on this board who are fighting this disease for themselves or a loved one. peace, kris http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23776,0.htm lippygirl Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I want to thank everyone for the love and support that i have received at this web site since my mom was diagnosed with stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma. The dementia is setting in and she is down to 95lbs. She sleeps most of the day and I can hardly get her to eat. She is currentl in hospice at home and doesn't want chemo. I have to put icy hot on her for the pain along with her pain meds. Her arms are extremley skinny and fluid is building up in her  abdomen because the cancer metastisized to liver. She is approaching 18 months of a two year prognosis. My question is what should I expect from here on in and for how much longer. I don't want to see my mother die, but I'd rather see her resting in peace than to suffer a slow death. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23772,0.htm Kevin450 Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have been an observer of this sie for almost a year now. Personally, the many messages of hope and support shown here have helped me in so many ways. Thank you to all of you for that - even though you were unaware of me. Briefly, my partner of 27 years was diagnosed with stomach cancer in March 2007 at 55 years of age. We went through the usual protocol of gastrectomy, 3 cycles of chemotherapy and a five week chemo/radation treatment cycle. Thankfully and gratefully, he is in remission at this time and the first year survelance testing was negative. He is back to work. These days he is still experiencing a great deal of nausea and fatigue, but making the most of every day and opportunity. We are most grateful to be in this position. During this last year there have been moments of great fear and sadness for me, the partner. One of the resources I have relied on is to follow a cancer blog on the National Public Radio (NPR) website entitled My Cancer by a journalist named Leroy Sievers. Mr Sievers writes a small journal entry every weekday and posts it on the NPR website. This past week (Tuesday, 4/29) he posted a message Finish this Sentence: My Cancer. Rather than the usual 90-100 some replies from the visitors to the blog, that day 363 people commented on this message. It was most powerful. Here is the website address if any of you might be interested in seeing those entries: http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/. This message from me might really belong on the general tab of this message board, but I feel more affinity to those of us here who are struggling with the same nasty beast - stomach cancer. I offer this to you as someone who is grateful that this message board exists. I promise to be more active, and less longwinded (?), in the future and not just an observer anymore.Paul http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23758,0.htm Oaklanders Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have a special family member who recently had their stomach removed due to cancer. He is battling to put on weight after the operation and has really been reacting to the ensure he is supposed to take twice a day. Many things seem to give him diarroah and gas, yet he has been told to stick to a normal diet. Can anyone help with advice on meals, how often to eat and drink? Any advice on how he can be relieved of his symptoms and gain weight so he can recover would be really appreciated http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23740,0.htm Susananne Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT We recieved the news today from the surgeon that they will be doing partial gastrectomy and removal of lymph nodes and possible removal of spleen. This will be done on may 6. as of now no chemo. The oncologist seems to think this is non invasive. I am new to understanding this and seems to me if he's worried about the nodes and spleen does this mean spreading or what? Sometimes they really don't explain alot. Maybe they are waiting until after surgery. The dr did say they will have a pathologist on standby to biopsy the nodes and spleen. The tumor is billard ball sized and said it was a slow growing tumor. We are praying every day. I guess we will no more after the 6th.jan http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23661,0.htm jan1425 Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My husband had indigestion last year in august,and that must have been the first start of this wretched thing,.... His GP prescribed pariot tablets for the indigestion,and this seemed to help for 2 and a half months...I wish his GP had ordered a barium swallow back then,and perhaps something might have shown up..The cancer has already spread to some large blood vessels that runs through a large vein under his heart..He had a pet scan last week and we will find out the results on tuesday the 6th of may,i hope its good news...If the cancer has not spread any further they said an operation to remove his stomache will be done,with follow up chemo or radium..My hubby is 67 this year and we have been together for 46 years.Its all so sad for the sufferers,and their loved ones..I am trying to remain positive and supportive,and will remain strong throughout for all, what ever comes our way...From Joy. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23652,0.htm blins00 Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My mother in law who I adore was diagnosed last week with stomach cancer. Today she goes for consults on treament plans. I know this is a battle that we are in for from all the messages on the sight. I'm not sure where we stand or our next move. I'm just afraid , will this pass?  jan http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23631,0.htm jan1425 Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT My dad was diagnosed last december with stomach cancer - through a biopsy performed on his neck.  It was determined that the cancerous cells were of abdominal origin.  Now, about 4 months after he started chemo, his caregivers are questioning the original pathology report - mainly because he is doing so well -even though the lump on his neck really hasn't changed.  They said they may need to revisit the original pathology because there is a possibility it could be lymphoma.  He also had an edoscopy done which did say he had a tumor about the size of a quarter - but the only thing that has since shown up on CT scans are multiple swollen lymph nodes.  From what I read, I guess it's not that easy to distinguish between gastric lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma.  The doctor would like to wait and see for another 2 weeks and then take another CT scan.  I guess this is the potential for good news, with a more treatable cancer.  Has anyone ever experienced anything like this change in diagnoses? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23612,0.htm speranza Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi. I am new to this site and find it extremely helpful!! My mom was diagnosed with PPC in Jan.  She has just finished her 5th round of chemo and has one more left before considering surgery.  They say she is full of tumors from her omentum to her rectum.  She has an ileostomy due to a tumor in her sigmoid colon.  She is considering a debulking at this time and was wondering if this would be the best course of treatment for her at this time.  She has lost over 40 lbs and is very weak.  The tumors are as large as 2mm.  I realize you are not doctors but I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience.  I find your messages to be so helpful and enlightening.  Thank you and may God bless you!  Teryn http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23601,0.htm teryn7667 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Would someone tell me what the symptom's of stomach cancer are? Thank you in advance. Marlene. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23529,0.htm MoeLove Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT hello everyone.my mom has been told she has stage 4 gastric cancer. They have done one round of 5fu. she is so tired and can't eat, they have already had to infuse fluids. her mouth is full of listers and sores. she is crying all the time. does anyone have any suggestions that can help with the blisters?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23523,0.htm ladyhef Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Ever since we found out that my friend has stomach cancer I have been searching for other stomach cancer individuals.  The cancer was detected due to aenemia. Undergoing three sessions of chemotherapy a partial gastrectomy was done January 3rd 2008.  After surgery his appetite was good.  Feeling better than expected but soon his appetite disappeared.  He lost more weight and is just skin and bones and we are praying for a miracle.  Presently he is experiencing annoying hiccups and intermittent pain, his bloodcount is down after four previous blood transfusions and a terrible bout with clostridium difficile acquired at a hospital stay were Amoxocillin was given wiping out all the good bacteria except c-diff until vancocin was given bringing c-diff under control, further taxing his immune system.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  I am distraught and don't know how to continue. Regine  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23506,0.htm reginewend Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT my dad has stomach cancer he is 65 years old he goes for his second treatment of cemo monday.right know he is felling bad and tired. and he was getting sick saturday. is this something normal when it is time for his next cemo treatment does that mean the cemo is wearning off? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23473,0.htm marypo Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My son, diagnosed in Dec 07 with stomach cancer has been unable to eat the last 3 weeks.  Needless to say, he has lost lots of weight and looks emaciated.  He is now 133 lbs.  Down from 245.He was hospitalized 2 days ago to be rehydrated.  They found a blockage near the duodenum.  They are proposing surgery to remove it. I am afraid he may not withstand surgery due to his weak state.Can someone who has gone through this kind of cancer pls tell me what to expect.Please keep my son and his family in your prayes.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23371,0.htm Jockey Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT