Stomach cancer

I have been diagnosed with stomach cancer- “ tumour is a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell”

I have been told to start chemo - FLOT 4 cycles then surgery and again 4 cycles of chemotherapy.  

I was really shocked and how my world is going to change, chemotherapy shows so many side effects which make me question what’s the point?
Has anyone refused chemotherapy? Do you get any vitamins to help with this journey?    

I am going through changes at work and don’t want to stop working. I am not sure how is going to be and if I will be able to cope?  Really worrying for myself and my family.

  • Hello Bruna and welcome to Cancer Chat,

    Treatments can come with certain side effects, so it's important that you and your family feel as prepared as possible. Do talk to your doctors about any concerns and questions you have, if you haven't already. Usually your medical team will monitor how the treatment is going and, if you alert them to any problems, the treatment can be adjusted or they can prescribe something to compliment the treatment.

    If you'd like to speak to our team of cancer nurses, you can call the free helpline on 0808 800 4040. Lines are open 9 to 5 Monday to Friday. It might be useful and informative to go through chemotherapy section on our website. It has a lot of information and guidance around how chemotherapy works and possible side effects. You can refer to these pages at anytime and it might help to share and talk through the information with your family.

    It's a possibility that you would need to take some time off, but it's important rest when you need to due to the nature of the treatment. You can view advice on everyday life during chemotherapy

    I hope this is helpful,

    Moderator Anastasia