Husband about to undergo stomach cancer surgery

[Campcolis]

I’m new here. My husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer 23rd December 2017, the same day that I retired from teaching. He didn’t tell me until 12th January (he didn’t want to burst my bubble!). Now awaiting surgery after 3 cycles of chemotherapy ecx.

[moule]

Hi.. Good luck with your husbands surgery and and for the road that follows. Thoughtful of him to delay tellling you 😊. My husband cancer is terminal, tough time but we just take each day as it comes . All the best . X

[lynnbibb in reply to moule]

Good luck with the treatment and surgery, and don't loose hope!!

You'll find some super people and really good advice to help carry you through, and all people whos have either had surgery or been carers of.

My husband is 15 months post surgery and doing quite well xxxx

[Campcolis in reply to lynnbibb]

Thank you for the reassurance. We have already met some wonderful people, many of whom are worse off than us. We’ve been as positive as possible and are amazed by the strength of others. Thanks again and all the best to you both. Xxx

[Debbiewallis in reply to lynnbibb]

Hi Lynn how’s Dave keeping !? Xx

[Campcolis in reply to moule]

Thank you for taking the time to send this kind message. I am so very sorry for your situation and wish you well. I can not imagine how you cope and are feeling. Take care. God bless you both. X

[Kate1503]

Hi there! You will find this forum full of kind people to offer hints and support if you want them. My husband was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer last October and is now undergoing his final round of chemo sessions after surgery in February. Wishing you both all the best for the journey ahead. Kate

[Campcolis in reply to Kate1503]

Thank you, Kate. I’ve been reading posts for a while and see how supportive and kind everyone is. It’s a rather surreal world we’re in and only those going through it can really empathise. Thanks again and I hope your husband recovers well and manages the chemo. Is it a lot harder then pre surgery?

[Kate1503 in reply to Campcolis]

The second round of the FLOT chemo (which my husband is having) is known for being harder to tolerate post op. This is primarily because the body is weaker after having had a pre op load, and a major operation. He's only just had the one post op dose so far, so we shall have to see how he holds up. Thanks for your good wishes. Kate

[Sue125nd]

Hi, you have a long road ahead but if you do as your surgeon tells you then there is light at the end of the tunnel. I was there just over a year ago, am now doing well although still get tired if I overdo it. Good luck with surgery and hope recovery goes well. Your husband is the one going through it all but you also need lots of support - my husband was my rock but I know he went through so much as my carer.

[Campcolis in reply to Sue125nd]

Thanks so much! I am prepared for a long, hard journey and will probably be posting a lot on this forum. It is hard as a carer but I have good friends and family I can sob and sound off to.

I wish you all the very best for the future. X

[Sue125nd in reply to Campcolis]

Thank you. Glad you have lots of family to "sound off" to - the carer has a tough journey. I wish when I went through my procedure I could have talked to others and learned much more of what to expect, my surgeon was fantastic but I always think that you are a "little in headlights" when they are explaining, I found this site months after my procedure. Our scariest moment was the day I was discharged and arrived home - just the two of us and no medical staff. Take it a step at a time and look forward to recovery. Like many others here - if you want to know something - just ask - we all have experiences. Good luck and all the best xx

[Golf1910]

Hi

I am coming up 6 years after a total gastrectomy, I was diagnosed in December 2011 when I was 73, nice Xmas present isn't it, I had the 3 cycles of chemo and then surgery where they removed my stomach. All I can say is it isn't easy but one can survive without a stomach and I am still amazed at how the body adjusts to these things and also what fantastic people who work with you in the NHS. He will lose weight in my case it stayed off I didn't put weight back on but am happy with that, others that I meet at the Patients group I go to have put weight back on so each of us is different in how it works/affects us. Wishing you all the best for the time ahead and later when recovering if ever want to talk, I am very happy to do so.

Rob

[Campcolis in reply to Golf1910]

What a lovely reply. You sound very positive and have reassured me. My husband is still enjoying food (when he wakes up from his zombie type sleeps!) so I’m feeding him up. Thank you so much and I’m sure I am likely to want a chat post surgery.

Helen

[silversands in reply to Golf1910]

hi, how many people have had all stomach removed, I find it hard to eat and have lost my taste and smell, I love sweet things but not mea and veg.

[Npride]

Hi Campcolis, how lovely your husband is to do that for you. Wishing him all the luck. ECX is such a hard dose, my hubby had three lots followed by an Oesophogectomy and then another three ECX. It really took its toll on him. I hope the treatment has gone well thusfar? Take care. Carrie

[Campcolis in reply to Npride]

Thank you, Carrie. My husband has managed quite well. He’s 55 and passed all the fitness tests etc. From the second cycle he began to lose hair (not too bothered, but we agreed it looks a bit pitiful!) and has been very tired, almost zombie like. He has had conjunctivitis, some nausea, a strange rash on his hands but nothing too awful. Hopefully he’ll perk up and be fit for surgery.

[Npride in reply to Campcolis]

I hope he continues to do well. Mine used the cold cap for his hair and although excruciating for 10 -15 mins and then cold for 4 hrs, he didn't lose any hair. Did you know the NHS do wigs for cancer patients? Mine was given one from the outset although he never needed it. My hubby was 51 or 52 when he started, seems so long ago now I can't remember exactly. For the nausea, think of all the old wife remedies for pregnant women. Some of them might help. Ginger biscuits for example. Again, mine was incredibly ill following the chemo he lost around 3 stone in the 9 week batch and was well enough for surgery, so fingers crossed for yours. Take care. Just also thought, boiled sweets like barley sugar might also help with the nausea.

[Campcolis in reply to Npride]

Such good advice. Thank you again.

[Mick]

Seems like a few of us had a similar Christmas present, as I to was diagnosed a week before Xmas in 2011. I didn`t have chemo, the consultant booked me in for 1st Feb 2012 and home by 14th (nice valentines present for my wife). Now into my 6th year post op. Yes we all have up and downs, good days and bad. Take each day as it comes, support comes for people around you, whether its family, consultant/clinical nurse, family and friends or just reading posts on here. Best wishes take care and chin up.

[Campcolis in reply to Mick]

Yes! Great Christmas present. We have good support and the NHS staff have been lovely. Thank you for your kind message and I’ll keep you updated.

All the best to you, too.

Helen

[Mick in reply to Campcolis]

Do you have a local support group. The OPA has quite a few round the country or some hospitals run groups supported by patients. I`m in Worcestershire and we meet about every 3 months and pass on hits and advice or just have a general chat to each other.

[Campcolis in reply to Mick]

We’re in the Northumberland. Haven’t heard of any groups but will research it and ask our lovely cancer nurse. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Tinkerbell1959]

Its a great photo, just writing to wish you well with your treatment, take one day at a time and I trust all goes well x

[Campcolis in reply to Tinkerbell1959]

Thank you so much. Words of reassurance and so many kind messages from strangers. How lovely.

[Lynio]

Hello,

my husband had a total gastrectomy April 2015 - staging 3C. He too had neoadjuvant chemo (ECX), then 3 cycles of adjuvant chemo (ECX full strength) afterwards. Not easy but achievable. Expect a roller coaster of emotions, and good and bad times. It is a massive learning curve re: dietary issues. Recovery takes time. It is, however, possible to have a very good quality of life post gastrectomy.

Listen to his health professionals, take advice from the dietician.

My husband has always been physically fit, and still is, and I am convinced 100% that because of his fitness his recovery and probable future prognosis were hugely assisted with this.

Good luck to your husband - however remember to look after yourself too - it is hard on the main carer.

[Campcolis in reply to Lynio]

Thank you for your reply. It is very much appreciated. My husband is a very optimistic and determined man. So far he’s coped well with the ecx but I know the surgery and recovery will change things quite dramatically. Everyone is different so we’ll just have to take lots of advice.

He’s pretty fit, too so here’s hoping. Thanks again and all the best to you.

[susanrichards60]

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your sad news, i'm 10 years post op after having a total gastrectomy on 15th April 2008..i think everyone is different and some will struggle more than others but stay possitive..I have personally found that it is a learning curb and what suits one person may not suit another..

If there is anything i can help you with please ask and don't be afraid to ask Consultants, Doctors, Nurses or any of the medical team as many questions as you want to..

I hope everything goes well for your husband in the future.

Suzy

[Campcolis in reply to susanrichards60]

Thank you, Suzy for your lovely reply. I know I need to take and heed lots of advice; my husband tends to only hear what he wants to hear! Thanks again and I may well be asking lots after the surgery. Well done you, for surviving this nasty disease. All the very best.

Helen

[susanrichards60 in reply to Campcolis]

Your very welcome Helen..

Stay strong.

Suzy x

[Mauser1905]

Good luck with the surgery. God bless.

[Campcolis in reply to Mauser1905]

Thank you for this. I’m so touched by such kindness and feel humbled.

[toots1951]

Hi my husband was diagnosed 16th December 2013 the year he retired. It will be four years next month since his Ivor Lewis operation. As everyone says there are ups and downs but just so grateful he is here. All the very best for your husband xx

[Campcolis in reply to toots1951]

Thank you for the good wishes. I’m just glad I have retired and at home for my husband. The first thing he said after he told his diagnosis was that he really needed me. We’re already making the most of everyday and enjoying time together. All the best to you, too. Xx

[mullie]

Best of luck, keep your chin up

[Debbiewallis]

Hi !! All the best to you and hubby !! My beloved hubby 8 months post op this and ‘getting there gradually ‘ it’s bloody hard believe me , unbearable at times but you it Does get better ! Good luck 😉 xx

[Campcolis in reply to Debbiewallis]

All the best to you too. Thank you so much for your message and many best wishes to you both. ‘Bloody hard’ is what I expect, hubby seems very blasé at the moment! That seems to be his way of coping.

Love to be able to speak on this site and thanks again. 😉xxx