Total gastrectomy

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Hello, I have just joined, I have had chemo and now should be having a total gastrectomy, i really don't want it, has anyone else refused surgery? I also have breast cancer which would need to be treated whilst I would still be recovering, it all feels too much to take on

  • Hi, I’m sorry to hear your news, please consider having the gastrectomy, there’s lots of people on here that have done really well following this surgery, it probably does feel overwhelming for you especially with the breast cancer as well, speak to your specialist nurse team, I’m sure they wouldn’t have suggested surgery if they’d thought you couldn’t recover from it, the MacMillan team will also talk with you, please don’t give up, everyone is here for you 

  • Thanks for the reply, have you had the op? Or anyone else who has viewed my post, give me some idea of how your life has changed? 

  • Hi, I had a sub total in April 2024, 85% removal,  and life is now pretty much how it was before, its a scary thought and I did a lot of research about how to manage without a stomach. I did a lot of preparation beforehand, batch cooking very small portions and freezing them, I'm sure others will reply to your message as I know that a number of this forums members had a total gastrectomy will be happy to share their experience. Take time to process the information, you can survive stomach cancer, good luck.

    This book is really useful: The Art Of Eating Without A Stomach: How To Thrive After Gastrectomy For Stomach Cancer
    by Dr Peter Thatcher (Author) there is a kindle version

  • Thank you, do you still have a very limited diet with several small portions a day and eating slowly. 

  • I can now eat reasonable sized meals and most things that I ate before and  at more regular meal times, just like before, I take Creon capsules during meals to help with nutrient absorption which helps me to digest food,(helps to stop food being digested too quickly). It takes time, you  just have to follow your own body, you will get there 

  • It’s seven years since I had a partial gastrectomy.  I didn’t believe it was possible to live a normal life, but I do! There are many people on this group who have had a total gastrectomy..all ages and though the recovery takes time, you can eat and drink much as before! 
    Do speak to your medical team about their treatment plan for you.  I remember reading a great post on this site…treatment for cancer is like climbing a mountain, but there will be places to rest on the way up, and you will get there with small steps! 

    Jac

    Life is what happens when you are making other plans!  
     
     
  • I will speak from my experience "I was angry and very apprehensive " I ended up having the surgery i healed very well. Surgery was back in February, driving after 3 weeks (shouldn't I just pushed myself a little more)

    Am eating all the foods I was having before toilet habits normal juat a few adjustments in terms of frequency eating 

    Positivity mind over matter helps easy to say better if done. I am sorry to hear about diagnosis.