Is there a connection between secondary and gastrointestinal stromal tumour does anyone know? I had br cancer 22 years ago, in lymphs, had p mastectomy, chemo, radio. 2018 had stomach gist removed and only just discovered this was stage 1 cancer. Discharged from hos after 6 months, no offer of discussing 2nd cancer. Only discovered I had cancerous gist by chance as I had never received this info (req written findings for ins purposes) by chance. Advice please
Thank you
Dear Miras
Thank you for reaching out for support through the online community.
I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am glad to hear that you have had treatment for that.
Gastrointestinal stromal cancer (GIST) is a rare type of sarcoma. A stage 1 GIST cancer is slow growing and less likely to spread. Treatment for a stage 1 GIST is surgery, which you have recovered from.
It is not known if there is a relationship between breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. If you are seeking further information about your GIST and a secondary cancer, it would be advisable to speak to the team who you originally had treatment with. This is because they have your medical notes and all the relevant information.
There is GIST Cancer UK detailing information about GIST and a patient information leaflet with information that you may find helpful.
It sounds like you have found discovering the information about your GIST cancer later than you should have upsetting. Receiving news about a cancer diagnosis, even when the treatment has been undertaken can bring about many emotions and it is sometimes difficult to process these. It is important that you discuss how you are feeling with friends and family. There are also clinical information nurse specialists on the support line who you can talk to.
If you think that it would be helpful you can always give feedback through the PALS department in the hospital.
Best wishes
Rae, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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