Looking for Hopeful Stories – Stage 4

  • 6 replies
  • 23 subscribers
  • 261 views

Hi all - this is my first time here in this forum. My 31-year-old husband has been diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer with liver mets. We were told it cannot be operated on, and first we would have to work on shrinking the tumour and controlling it. He didn't really have any symptoms, just some heartburn. We kind of stumbled onto it because our GP suggested we go for a CT, since our insurance covered it. He was on 4 cycles of CapOx and Keytruda for immunotherapy. We have just completed the 4 cycles, and now have done another scan and are waiting for the results. The waiting feels like the worst part of the ordeal. The treatment actually went off quite ok. He lost some weight, but gained some strength back and now is living a relatively normal life. It’s all so insane – I cannot wrap my head around the fact that we just got married last year, were planning our one-year anniversary, and before that now I am having sleepless nights trying to imagine and plan for the worst. I am looking for any advice, on treatment, recovery, surgery and regimes that have worked for others. I am trying to educate and inform myself so that i can be prepared at doctor's appointment with the right questions. I feel very lost, most prognosis information online is so disappointing. Looking any helpful words or encouragement

  • Hi I also have stage 4 stomach cancer, diagnosed last year , also inoperable, had 6 rounds of chemo, Capox, tumour has shrunk and is looking more hopeful, gained some weight back after losing 20kg , I’ve stopped worrying about future, you spend all time thinking about what might happen you lose the joy in what’s happening today, just take it a day at a time, solve one problem at a time and try to live best life you can, I know it’s hard to get hear round, but there are stage 4 survivors about , there is always hope

    talk soon, be strong 

    regards 

    Jon

  • Hi Jon, thank you for your kind reply. Its hugely inspiring to hear that you are doing well, and your outlook is inspiring. 
    If you don't mind me asking - after your Capox and tumour shrinking, what was suggested by the doctor as the line of treatment / next steps? We are at the brink of this decision, and would like to be prepared. Not all healthcare providers really consider all options and I'd like to be the best advocate for my husband. 

  • Was told another CT scan in October and see what happens after that, oncologist said go enjoy your summer, things are looking good, but atm I now got anemia so waiting for GP to sort that out ,I’m off work now for 3 week’s holiday just enjoying time off, with regards to future treatments I won’t know until after next scan, sorry couldn’t be more helpful in that regard 

  • Hi, no advice to give but I’m in a similar boat unfortunately. My 55 year old husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer which has advanced through the stomach wall and caused a “collection” at his spleen. He had zero gastric symptoms, the man has never had as much as a rennies.  But he took a spasm early June (which is now believed to be the stomach perforation) this was followed by him feeling generally unwell and few weeks later diagnosed with pneumonia.  A CT discovered splenic abnormalities and we were told a gland in his stomach.  The OGD then confirmed cancer. We have been told he will need his stomach and spleen removed, we have a MDT appointment tomorrow to discuss.  But reading online I’m wondering whether they will operate.  When we asked about staging, we were told that’s not what to focus on at this point, however it would seem as it has gone beyond the stomach it must be stage 4? I’m really struggling but trying hard to be brave for him and our 3 kids. Following this thread for hope. 

  • Don’t give up hope, I went thru a deep depression for a month after diagnosis, I thought that I wouldn’t last the year out, but 9 months later I’m still here still fighting this awful disease as best I can, there is always treatments they can give, I’ve had chemo and had the most awful 6 months, but now feeling better than I have in ages, be strong and positive is only good advice I can give, and do not google things it will only leave you more worried than before, hope I’ve helped you a bit in your difficult time 

  • Hi, I’m really sorry to hear your news, there are some incredible stories and people here that will share their experiences and offer support, wishing you all the luck  going through this journey