Just diagnosed 23rd November

Hi Vespa ets and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm really sorry to read about your recent diagnosis and, although I had a different type of cancer, I know how scary it can be when you're first diagnosed.

I know very little about stomach cancer but you might find this information from Macmillan helpful. There is also a booklet called Understanding Stomach Cancer which you can download.

When I was diagnosed with cancer and waiting for operations and then results I found the best thing for me was to remain as occupied as possible so I didn't have time to think about the cancer. For me this meant spending lots of time doing things I enjoyed, eg hobbies but other people throw themselves into their work, meet up with friends, set to in the garden, basically anything to keep you occupied.

Lots of people find mindfulness really helpful and if this is something that you might like to try clicking here will take you to the NHS page on mental health where you can download mindfulness apps, some of which are free.

If you find that your anxiety is interfering with your day to day life then you might want to speak to your GP who should be able to suggest ways of helping you to cope. There is no doubt about it that having a cancer diagnosis is really scary but there is a lot of help out there.

It would be great if you could pop something about you and your diagnosis and  planned treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Sending a virtual (((hug)))

Thank you so much for your message and helpful things for me!! 

Hello Vespa ets,

I'm really sorry to hear of your diagnosis.

I'm new here myself, but just thought I'd say hi. I was diagnosed on the same day as you and I'm 54 too.

I'm really not in a position to give any advice as I'm new to all this, however if you need someone to talk to or to compare notes regarding treatment, I'm here for you.

Best wishes,

Phill.

Hi Phil 

Thank you for your message! It’s just happened out of the blue, I haven’t quite got my head around it yet! My laparoscopy went well on Monday as they couldn’t visibly see any spread but have taken further biopsy’s to test. I’ve got an oncologist appointment next week to discuss my chemo treatment and will probably start before Christmas. It’s going so quick but I’m glad it is in a way so I’m not pondering about it… The doctors are amazed that I’ve had no symptoms as it’s quite a big mass in my upper stomach. 
I hope everything is going ok with you and your treatments are being sorted? 
Thank you again! 
Michele 

Hi Michele,

I'm a little behind you, I've got my laparoscopy on Tuesday.

I'm glad things are progressing towards your treatment and that your laparoscopy went well.

I had one symptom of a gastric bleed once, with no other symptoms before or since. Until the doctor told me she'd found a malignant looking tumour during the gastrocopy I had never even considered cancer. I was totally shocked, so I can certainly empathise with you.

I hope your appointment goes well with your oncologist and you get to start your treatment soon.

Let me know how you get on.

Best wishes,

Phill.

Hi Phil, thank you for messaging back! This stomach cancer certainly likes to surprise us… I will keep you updated with my treatments etc! Let me know how you get on! Keep in touch.

Michele 

Hi Phil, hope everything is going well with you? I had the first cycle of FLOT on the 22nd of December, which went ok. I had a bit of nausea, a upset stomach afterwards and indigestion as well. I was supposed to have had my 2nd cycle last week on the 6th of January but my platelets were to low. I’m booked in for this Wednesday so hopefully the bloods I had done today will have better results. 

Michele 

Hi Michelle, glad your first cycle went well and hope your bloods have got their act together!

Since we last spoke I had my laporoscopy and that confirmed t2, n0, m0 which is good. I had a blood test that showed me deficient in phosphates and calcium for which I was prescribed a supplement. I had my picc line fitted Christmas eve.

I have just had my first cycle of flot today, I feel fine now, but I'm sort of waiting for all hell to break loose. Lol .

I suppose things are starting to feel a little less surreal and more real, I think the penny is finally dropping that I do actually have cancer.

Keep well, keep me posted and best wishes for Wednesday.

Phill.

Hi Phil, 

That’s good news about your laparoscopy results!! Mine was T4a. I hope you don’t have too many side effects over the next week or so after having your chemo yesterday. 
I’m the same as you it’s finally kicked in about having cancer. With Christmas it kept me busy with expecting my family coming, but now it’s over and my hair is falling out big time, it’s sunk in. 
Take care. 
Michele