Recent diagnosis stage 4

Hi, I’m sorry to hear of your partner’s diagnosis… I had stage 4 signet ring.. mine had come through the lining… I had a good team and everything with appointments etc was very quick… so I hope they will be the same for him… you will be petrified which is understandable, as you have no answers yet with his treatment. Once he’s had the pet scan they will sort it out… you keep strong for yourself and your wee baby too… food wise… protein shakes, custard, rice pudding, soup and melt cheese on top… on your next appointment ask to speak to a dietitian… they may even suggest a feeding tube to help him… 

Sending hugs to you, your partner, your baby and family..

Take care

Michele 

Hello Candy6785

I'm so sorry to hear about your partner.  my heart goes out to you both.

My OH was diagnosed with the same cancer in the same place. GOJ. Which is the junction between the top of the stomach and food pipe. His was stage 3.

We were told by the Macmillan nurse not to worry to much about the staging, I know that's hard to do as we all worry about that, but, it really comes down to what the scans show and will depend if it's spread or not as to the treatment plan.

My OHs scan showed a problem area on his liver, but liver scan showed it was just a cyst thankfully. He had no spread outside the stomach nor anywhere else.

Treatment is usually FLOT then surgery, (total gastrectomy) then FLOT again. ( FLOT is chemo)

He had chemo, then total gastrectomy 6 weeks ago.

My OHs pathology results came back that he was in the 20% of people where the tumour was dead from the FLOT. ....but because its stomach cancer you need FLOT chemo again to kill any stray cells floating around. Which normally starts within 12 weeks after surgery. 

My OHs next and last chemo will start beginning of Jan. .......he's doing excellent.  There IS life after a total gastrectomy. 

If your worried about anything about what your hospital has told you, seek another opinion from a surgeon from another hospital.

I know it's hard, but hang on in there. He's got every reason to fight this and being positive is everything.

Macmillan will sort out any energy drinks full of nutrients or even your GP. Which you'll be able to get on prescription. 

I buy high protein drinks for my OH from the supermarket.  They really help.

Anything questions you need answering please get in touch, we'll help if we can.

Our thoughts are with you at this terrible traumatic time.

Xx