Hi everyone
I’m Claire and I’m 40, and recently discovered I have stomach cancer. After many tests and no real symptoms other than 2 isolated incidents of vomiting blood (months apart) I have been diagnosed with stomach cancer / it’s in the upper stomach on junction of oesophagus. No medical history / healthy active etc I am fortunate in that I am being offered chemo op to remove all of stomach followed by chemo again.
to say I’ve been left floored would be an understatement and I know you will all understand - feeling like this isn’t real / moments where you almost forget and then reality whacks you in the face again! I have a child who just turned 5 and whilst he is absolutely my driving force for getting on with this I often feel a huge sense of guilt / failure that I’m in this situation that whether I like it or not will impact him in some way.
That said I have mainly been positive and focused on the controllables such as gym and diet Staying busy. Although I am lucky to be signed off work as my job is stressful and I couldn’t work adhoc as it just wouldn’t work - I am finding the days sometimes long.
I got my chemo schedule yesterday and thankful to be starting on Monday 22nd May and my last one will be 3rd July. I know it doesn’t really matter how bad it is for me as I have to do it I’m just feeling a little scared. Does getting the picc line in hurt? Can you still bathe etc? How realistic is still doing some gym throughout chemo? For those that did did it help? Also another question is what did you all pack in your chemo bags? I’ve been told I can’t take anyone with me which I totally understand But keen to hear what things be you all took and what helped etc. did you take snacks etc. the oncologist said I’ll be fine and I’m likely overthinking ….. sorry for rambling. I must say I have taken so much comfort from reading all the posts in here for the last few months. You’re all so inspirational and have helped give me some strength so I’d like to thank you for that.
Claire xx
Good morning,
No problem at all as I say if I can be of any help then just send me a quick message.
aww thank you, there will be tough days but like you said about your son they become your driving force and you still make an effort to enjoy life as you want them to make happy memories and have new experiences. Some days everything seems to revolve around the big C but others it’s just a part of what’s going on. I’m sure this will be similar for you in time.
yes I did get the neuropathy and I found that it built up slightly with each session. I wore gloves when getting things out of the fridge and washing machine and slippers in the house (tiled floors can get a little cold sometimes so maybe also put a bath rug down in the toilet so you’re not caught out by tiles on an early toilet run 
) also don’t drink any cold drinks, just have them at room temperature or warmer. I have had no symptoms of this since finishing the first four rounds of chemo.
yes I was told the same re my age, there are a few of us but it is rare. I had a signet cell cancer so like you was worried for my daughter and went ahead with the genetic testing. Luckily I was told that mine wasn’t genetic but they can advise you on the best course of action either way.
It’s good to stay positive and that you have a treatment plan, time moves quickly so just take each hurdle as it comes and it’ll all be just a memory soon x
Red10 thank you so much for this advice. I will be sure to ask this. I take it this is different from a picc? Honestly I’ve been told so many things and it’s all new terminology my head is frazzled. 
cologist said I’ll just have something in my arm a picc. My date for that is Monday 15th is this different to a port a cath? Is there any increased risk etc with this? Anymore pain? I’m a wimp really need to get over that in the coming weeks!!!
Claire xx
Hi,
Awww thank you, believe me when I say that I have my days where things get on top of me but we’re only human and it’s good to have this group to discuss worries and concerns. A lot of the people who have replied to your post have helped me through so you’re in good hands.
I was tired in the beginning and am still now in all honesty but children and major surgery will do that you’ll probably find that you’re not sleeping as well at the moment too. I remember the feelings and fears that you’re describing well. You’ll start treatment and your fight back soon but If you’re worried speak to your GP and have your iron levels etc checked.
i’m an over thinker and a massive wuss so if I can get through it I’m sure that you can too, I think a lot of the time we jump to worse case scenario as a way of preparing ourselves, just take one hurdle at a time or you’ll over face yourself.
I hope your little boy had a lovely birthday. We celebrated my daughters birthday the day before my 3rd chemo session and we were out and about and went to gusto for lunch so hopefully that gives you some confidence that you will still have good, happy times throughout this. I actually started a scrap book with all the good memories my family and I have made during this time so when I look back it’s not all about treatment, that’s just a part of what’s going on x
