New to here

 I generally do not use discussion forums but I thought it may help those who have recently been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

  I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in May 13 following a visit to the Doctors with indigestion (wife nagged me thankfully). Like all, no doubt, I had a course of Chemo then an operation to remove the stomach totally. I was given a 'false stomach' in as much as a piece of my intestine was placed where my stomach had been to make a future stomach (this would never actually replace it but would expand to hold food in reasonable quantity). I was told that I would be in Hospital for ten days at least but more likely longer. However I appeared to have been one of those lucky types and after 7 days they said I could go home. I then continued, after a month, with Radio and Chemotherapy. Both of which finished in February 2014.  I understood that I would be eating very small amounts for at least six months if not a year.  However this did not happen because I started eating quite normally after Christmas 2014. (must admit did overdo it the first time, well it was Christmas and the family were over,  and had Dumping Sydrome - very heavy cramp in the intestines). Since then I have simply eaten normally with no other side effects. In fact I was not affected at all by the Chemo or Radiotherapy or really the operation., my wife Made me rest for a week once I got home, however I didn't feel as though I needed to.  I have put this down to having a positive attitude and not worrying about Cancer at all (I think my wife did that for me). 

Can I take this opportunity to thank Dr Kristopic of the Bath Royal United Hospital for operating on me, he did a wonderful job. Also to the unnamed Doctor who stitched me up. Marvelous stitching almost invisible and certainly going that way now.

Of course a gratefull thanks to all the nurses in Bristol Royal for putting up with me for the week I was with them and for putting up with my silly jokes.

Sorry it was long winded but thought I would share what happened to me with the hope that it will help someone else

  • Hello Liryc,

    Thank you for sharing your experience and I am glad you had such a positive experience at the hospital and that they did such a great job. Invisible stitching, wow that's amazing and it's great that you have been able to eat normally with no other side effects and that you reacted so well to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. You mention that you made some silly jokes which the nurses laughed to I am sure - now, could you share a few of these jokes with us? We are very curious...

    On a more serious note now, we have had some people join the forum recently who were looking to connect with people like you who have had a diagnosis of stomach cancer and surgery for it. In particular, there is a lady who was looking to speak to someone who had had a total gastrectomy. I am not sure if this is the procedure you had, but if your experience can help her, I am sure she would be grateful to hear from you. You can find her thread by clicking here and reply if you wish. 

    Thanks again for posting about your experience. I am sure it will benefit many on here who have also been  affected by stomach cancer.

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

     

  • Thank you Lucie for the welcome. I have already replied to Lynio as you will see.

    I think my sense of humour rocked a few people. With all good intentions the doctors and nurses treat you almost with kid gloves from the begining, which I appreciate, as it is quite a shock to be told that you have cancer. I simply accepted it from the begining and ask the doctor who told me, if I would loose all my golden locks - I am going bald so I think this shocked him as he didn't know what to say. There is a famous saying

    "Humour is the best Medicine"  which says it all really.

    Liryc