First timer here. Why am I here? Good question. Not sure where to start, but reading some of the stories in this group provided me with some comfort that it’s not just me and there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s good to read the outcomes can be positive after all the drama we go through. It’s good to read people’s stories that I can so relate to. I have a very loving support network, but do not really know what I am going through so this is a welcomed community.
I was diagnosed in Feb 23 with stage 2 stomach cancer. I am in the process of starting FLOT (100%) in about a weeks time (not sure what to expect, but appreciate it’s going to be a tough few months ahead. I will then be looking at 2/3 of stomach removal then another round of FLOT.
The realism is starting to hit me and making me a bit anxious for the next year ahead. I want (and I’m trying) to remain positive so I welcome any tips this community can offer in terms of remaining positive through this process.
Hi, so sorry to hear your diagnosis. You’ve come to the right place to talk someone who’s been/going through it too. I was the same as you wanting to be positive all the way through it… All I kept thinking about was staying positive for my family as I want to see my sons get married and have their own family etc… I didn’t talk about my diagnosis much at home as I knew my family were suffering too, so I talked on here and also local cancer support groups such as Clan cancer here in Scotland and which I still go too to have a chats with the lovely volunteers, also Cancer Support Scotland which I did a zoom course (as they are in Glasgow too far for me) on ‘ Self Esteem’ which helped a lot with relaxation methods, and how to be positive by thinking good things about yourself to keep you going through treatments etc… Everyone is different, some want to talk about it and some shut down on coping with their diagnosis. Do whatever makes you happy. Always ask your medical team questions, it helped me to stop wondering. Sending hugs. Michele
Welcome to the group, you will get lots of support here. You can read my story if you click on my name and I wrote a Blog of my experience during treatment. I had chemo and then a partial gastrectomy four years ago. The chemo eradicated the cancer so I was very lucky and had a clear pathology after surgery so decided not to have more chemo.
Everyone reacts to chemo differently, I found it tough for a few days then recovery before the next dose. So doing things to build your strength physically and mentally is important. I now lead a normal life- eating and drinking as before although smaller portions. I couldn’t imagine doing that when I was diagnosed!
Do share your experiences and questions and we will try to help!
Good luck!
Jac
Life is what happens when you are making other plans!
Welcome to the Roller Coaster Club that no one wants to be a member of, but one that has an awesome bunch of people here supporting you along the twists and turns !
I’ve been through 4 x FLOT pre surgery, total stomach removal and then 4 x FLOT post surgery (which were the ones that truly kicked my derriere!) and am out the other side now after waking up from surgery 572 days ago with it all removed !
I had a scan in February which was clear and my blood checks today at the Royal Marsden all came back normal too, praise God !
Any questions you have, or anything you need to know just ask and one of the friendly crew here will be able to help you out, reassure you and calm your worries that there is hope and that you can do this !
