Gastric Cancer with peritoneal metastasis - what to expect?

Welcome to this group, there are lots of lovely people to give you support.  I am so sorry to hear your husband’s diagnosis, it’s difficult news to come to terms with.  The treatment plan is a positive and I hope it reduces the tumour.  There are others in this group who have had a Stage 4 diagnosis.  Hopefully they will share their experiences.

I wish you and your husband lots of luck!

Hi Marsy, I’m so sorry to read your post, I just wanted to send you and your husband a hug, The only bit of advice I would give is to ask the dietitian for some shakes to build your husband up before starting chemo. As Jac says there will be more people along to offer advice. Take care of you as well x

Thanks Sue,  he is eating well and taking fortisip too xx

Hi Marsy, it’s a shock to get  this news! In August 2022 I was not feeling myself, very tired but eating less and on occasions bringing up food before the meal had finished. Saw the GP who promptly organised appt fir camera down. After the procedure I was seen by the radiographer and MacMillan Nurse who confirmed I had a mass and that a scan would be carried out in next couple of days. It was and from there I saw my Gastric Consultant at St Tomas London was told it was inoperable and that I could have some palliative chemo when asked for my prognosis I was told no treatment six months with treatment 15/18 months. Obviously went for second option. Started on Capox in 4/11. Every third week. Unfortunately this dud not suit me really bad sickness and sleepy managed five sessions and agreed with oncology team to stop. I had some other issues mainly with my blood and the Capox had created some clots in my lungs so I was  put on blood thinning injections. I then started a course of Forfili chemo which is every other week, I’ve just had my ninth session and have three more to go. Again there have been issues with my blood and blood pressure soba couple of sessions were put off and yes I’m still fatigued and sleepy but just go with my body. Tell my team exactly how I’m feeling there is always some juggling they can do to improve matters. I’m feeling quite positive will have another scan after the twelfth )last on showed no growth by spread and clots from lungs gone). So here’s hoping. My advice stay strong, stay positive use your team well and listen, never know what’s new coming round the corner. 

Hi Loony, what a story, what a journey you have been on. Quite incredible. You are still here and sharing your story. Thank you.

This does help me to be positive. Do you have any strategies or techniques to help your positivity? Could you enjoy a holiday for example?

Thanks again

Hi Marsy,

My husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer with spread to the peritoneum in May this year.Same as your husband he is fit and well 65 tomorrow actually and was working as a postman when this happened.He started off on capox chemo which he had one session of and he ended up with problems with his kidneys.He has now changed to folfox and has had one session which has been fine.He is going for his second lot of chemo tomorrow,the plan is 6 sessions fortnightly and then a scan to see what is happening.He has been keeping well,the only problem being he hasn’t much appetite but is doing as best he can.He has these fortisip drinks but isn’t terribly keen,so has changed to fortisip juice which he prefers.We are still making plans for the future and are going away for a weekend at the end of September My husband has been keeping very well and is trying to have as normal a life as possible.I hope your husband continues to feel well,and all the best when his chemotherapy starts.

Hello Buffandflo, thanks so much for your reply. It sounds as  positive as it can be under the circumstances.

My husband only has one kidney so I'm slightly concerned the impact Capox had on your husband's kidneys. I will bring this up again before he starts. I do hope the new chemotherapy continues to go well. Have a wonderful weekend away. 

Lots of strength and positivity to both of you. 

Hi Maisey, difficult trying to fit dates in between chemo for holidays! Also hard to get insurance if you want to travel abroad. We have a home in France which we have decided to sell do when my pump came off on a Saturday we booked the shuttle from Folkestone and did the 7 hour drive from Calais and spent the week there had a couple of fatigue days spent sleeping, but were able to meet up with old friends and return the following Sunday in time for bloods/consultant and next round of chemo! All done without insurance! Probably easier to holiday in UK. Just had my 9th chemo 3 more to go and then see scan to see what’s happening and where we go next! Hoping for a break from chemo because Ibjust hate the fatigue days and that out of body feeling. Hope all well with you and hubby and that you do manage a break away x

Ive had the same diagnosis and am on the same chemo regime (though with Immunotherapy added). 

Ive had 4 (of 6) cycles. Some have been a lot harder than others. At the moment I am feeling fine and getting on with life. Fatigue and nausea are rubbish... but the anti-emetics help and you just have to rest and take it easy, though also try and get exercise. I know that sounds contradictory, but getting out for walks does help a lot... but sometimes you just need to take a nap. 

My experience is that while the chemo is hard, it's having an effect and will give me more time with my wife and kids. It's not fun, it's not pleasant, but it's ok. During one of the cycles I had really bad side effects and ended up in hospital for a few days, but I got back out, and have recovered and am enjoying life again. 

It's a tough journey, but you can definitely continue to enjoy life. 

Hugs help

Hello Austin T 

I'm sorry you have the same diagnosis and thanks for your reply. 

I am heartened to hear you are managing to cope with the chemotherapy, I hope it gives you lots more time. 

Its all so uncertain at the moment and we are trying to imagine what the future mightook like. You sound like you are still managing to enjoy life and have some good times.  

Your reply was really honest and useful for us to begin to understand what might lie ahead. 

Thanks