Hello
I would appreciate advice from anyone who has had, or is going through, a similar experience.
I am 54 years old. After three years of symptoms and tests, all of which were inconclusive, I was finally diagnosed in December 2019 with metastatic stomach cancer (Upper GI), with secondary cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in three lymph nodes - chest, abdomen and neck.
I was advised that it is treatable (but not curable) and given a rather bleak prognosis of 6-12 months. To say that my world turned upside down would be an understatement.
To date, and despite the limitations of Covid, I have had 8 cycles of chemo (Cisplatin and Capecitabine) and a short course of radiotherapy to ‘blast’ the node in my abdomen that was stubbornly refusing to shrink.
After a two month break with no treatment, which was a complete blessing, I had a CT scan last week and have an appointment scheduled with my Oncologist next week. I am beside myself with worry as having had no symptoms at all to date, and having breezed through chemo and radiotherapy with hardly any side effects, over the last few weeks I have struggled with fatigue and muscle/joint pains in my legs. I feel about 90!
My biggest worry is, of course, that the tumours have grown. Having dealt with my diagnosis by going into complete denial (as I have felt fine), now that I don’t feel so good I know that I need to arm myself with more information, especially in relation to what lies ahead pain-wise and time-wise, but I have no idea where to start.
If anyone has any thoughts or advice, it would be much appreciated. Thank you.
I have had a very similar diagnosis nearly two years ago now. I’m completely healed and can offer what I did. It’s a challenge but completely doable. Message me if you’d like to know more.
