Hi all, so after all the scans, staging laparoscopy and everything else, the docs have advised me to go for pre-op chemo. Met the consultant last week who explained everything in (sometimes brutal) detail, including long term prospects and I’m due to start in a couple of weeks. He told me they were pretty shocked to find stomach cancer in someone my age and general health/fitness level and that I was the fittest person he’d ever had sat in front of him with a gastric cancer! Anyway I’ve agreed to it and it’s going to be 4 rounds of FLOT. I am under no illusions about how tough a regimen this is. They put a big emphasis on it being entirely my choice but the way I see it, there is no choice; anything that improves my long term outlook I’d be stupid not to do. Short term pain, long term gain and all that. Even already bought a couple of picc line covers!
I’ve had all the risks and possible side effects explained and the big risk of infection hammered home. Im just eager to get started now.
Anyway, to get to the point, as ever any advice from people who have gone through it would be appreciated. Being told you will have issues with xyz is one thing, hearing people’s opinions, or how they managed is something else entirely.
Ps apologies for the rambling, I’ve spent most of the weekend on the beers....
Hi Andy
I had 4 cycles of pre op FLOT. Whilst everyone reacts differently I coped really well with this. I was 57 when treatment started last September and wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as fit! Yes I had loads of side effects but managed a few days between cycles where I felt ok. For me, the side effects hit 2-3 days after chemo day and would last for several days before I started feeling a little better. The exhaustion was the worst for me. I got up and showered/dressed every day (and not everyone manages that) but there were days I then spent on the sofa too tired to do anything. I just listened to what my body told me and rested whenever I needed to. On good days I would try to have a little walk.
For me, the pre surgery chemo went better than expected. I took anti nausea pills every day even if I didn’t feel nauseous. I also took anti diarrhoea tablets as needed although these caused constipation which was painful! Some chemo cycles were delayed as either my white blood count was too low requiring injections for 5 days to boost these but this caused my platelet levels to drop. Frustrating but a common theme I understand.
If I have any advice it would be to stay positive and accept the limitations imposed by chemo knowing it will get better. One of the funniest side effects is the pins and needles! I used to suffer from these immediately after chemo and would get them in my lips, nose, fingers and toes. I also one time sat on a cold bench immediately after chemo was completed and had them in my butt and thighs! Not painful but very surreal.
Post surgery FLOT chemo was a little tougher as I had dropped a lot of weight (BMI was down to 15) but again, I battled through it and finished treatment in mid April. I did need potassium supplements for a while as well as the injections to boost my white blood cells count and the side effects lasted longer than they had pre op though. By mid May I was feeling well and the exhaustion had gone. I now feel better than I have done for a very long time and go back to work next month. Whilst it was tough at the time, knowing that I am now free of the tumour makes it worthwhile. Like you I wanted everything they could throw at me to beat this hideous disease regardless of the side effects.
Wishing you the very best through your treatment...stay positive! Love and laughter helped me. 
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