New diagnosis stomach cancer

[AMLux]

Hi. I have just been diagnosed with stkmach cancer. I will have a PET scan on Thursday to see exactly what we're dealing with. The doctor has already indicated that I will undergo chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove my whole stomach. I would like to hear from anyone who has had this surgery and can give me some advice. Thanks.

[NatChap]

Hi and sorry you have had this diagnosis. I can't advise on your specific situation, my Dad's cancer was in his oesophagus and he hasn't had much of his stomach removed at all. However I can advise that you get as fit as you can in preparation for what's to come. My Dad coped really well with pre op chemo and was home 7 days after his op and the doctors have all said that his fitness has played a huge part in that. If you are a healthy weight then I would suggest you try and pack on few extra pounds too as weight loss post op is inevitable. My Dad was advised to increase his fat intake..full fat everything, cream etc.. however that diet just didn't agree with him as he'd eaten so healthily before so he ended up with indigestion. Basically he stuck to his usual diet but tried to add in some extra snacks and high calorie but low fat stuff such as in this article

hubpages.com/health/List-of...

I would also say, take each day as it comes. Everyone deals/copes with this kind of treatment differently and has different symptoms. The doctors give you worst case scenario and obviously that is what they must do, no point in sugar coating it, but try and keep a 'I'll cross that bridge if/when I get to it' type attitude. My Dad expected chemo to be horrendous and leave him practically housebound (and I'm sure for some that is the case) but he was pleasantly surprised. He did get a foggy head after his IV chemo for a day or so and did have to scale down his walking a bit as he would get tired/breathless more easily but other than that he kept active, ate well, went on holiday and carried on more or less as normal.

It's a scary and emotional time for you and your family but this group is amazing at giving advice and reassurance and there are many, many success stories here.

Good luck and stay positive

Nat x

[AMLux in reply to NatChap]

Thanks Nat. I know that I have to eat more to gain some weight. I had lost quite a bit of weight prior to diagnosis because I had joined WeightWatchers and the gym. Then I lost my appetite and could hardly eat for three weeks so the weight fell off. My gastroenterologist wants me to take a compact protein drink daily but this doesn't seem to be agreeing with me and causing indigestion which is affecting my appetite again.

Hope your Dad is recovering well.

AM x

[louis3333]

I've had my chemo and radiation everything went fine my wife said I had more energy now I'm having surgery Monday so I can get better so I can live a long life with my family

[AMLux]

Good to hear Louis. All the best for the surgery on Monday.

AM x