Post lobectomy digestion issues - stomach cancer

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This group was very helpful when my lovely mom was having significant digestion issues and loss of appetite after her lobectomy last year. She was in regular contact with the oncology nurses about the issue but it was dealt with as a side effect of the op and/or a previous chemo round (and I know this is often the case). Unfortunately, in mom's case these issues were caused by stomach cancer that hadn't been picked up and was likely the primary cancer all along. Mom passed away within 6 weeks of an exploratory endoscopy that we really had to push for. I remember trawling this board for hints and tip when she was having problems eating and I just wanted to put a note on for anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation - I don't want to worry anyone - these sorts of symptoms very often are related to the operation and/or a side effect of chemo but stomach cancer symptoms can be very similar so please do ask the Drs to investigate this if you have concerns. Wishing everyone all the best.

Sanguinesse 1 day ago

I'm very sorry about the loss of your mum. If only the doctors had investigated further with your mum's symptoms. I too was fobbed off with my symptoms by my GP, i.e., loss of weight, skin problems, loss of appetite, and generally feeling unwell. I was told by my GP (without any physical examination), that it was perimenopause and was prescribed HRT. Six months later I found a breast lump and went to another GP who referred me to a specialist breast clinic.....I was diagnosed with breast cancer with axillary spread, so was stage 2. That was in 1991.

Fast forward to 2023, I had a bad dose of flu early January, then a couple of months later I was ill for a week with Covid, this led to a persistent, not a cough as such, but a clearing of my throat. Reflecting on my past lack of treatment by my GP, I went to them and exaggerated my symptoms somewhat just so they would investigate further as instinct told me something wasn't quite right physically. After X-rays, PET scan, CT scan and a biopsy I was diagnosed with left upper lobe adenocarcinoma (NSCLC) in August 2023. My treatment went well thankfully as it was early stage with no spread.

Regarding your mum, as an ongoing cancer patient, she should not have been fobbed off, she should have been investigated further.....even if they had been side-effects, at least they should have done something.

Very best wishes, and thank you for your advice to other people on this forum who have the same symptoms and are just told "side effects", although the vast majority are, but it pays to be cautious.

Ann

Lou8025d82467 1 day ago in reply to Sanguinesse

Thank you Ann. I'm really pleased that you pushed your GP and got the treatment you needed at an early stage. And thanks for taking my message in the spirit it was intended. I hesitated about posting because I know that when I found this board, I was desperately seeking positive outcomes. But I feel so strongly that ignoring my mom's symptoms robbed her of any chance of treatment because she was too weak by that point to even consider it. If I can signpost one person to getting help earlier it will be a small comfort. Very best wishes to you too <3

Lou

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