Hi GiLLT (& thanks for mention Lucie)

sorry to hear about your relative, I think we may have spoke a while back during initial diagnosis, it must be hard to try and reassure someone so anxious but I will tell you my recent experience and hopefully it may help. 

I had full gastrectomy on 2nd January so only 15 days ago, I too was very anxious before it and pictured myself incapable of anything for weeks/months afterwards. However, I can honestly say it’s been much better than I anticipated. Within 24 hours of surgery I was up and moving about independently, yes it was uncomfortable at first but not painful, that was managed really well by the nurses. I was able to have clear fluids about 72 hours after surgery after they performed a leak test which is basically an X-ray to see that everything is working, from that I was on to puréed food which I need to continue with for another week when I can move on to mashed food and solids 2 weeks later. I was in hospital for 7 days and at. I time during the past 15 days has anything felt physically unbearable. Eating enough and getting fluids can be hard and I’ve lost weight but it’s all a learning curve. The hardest part is emotionally because I have children and am unable to do normal activities and am mostly tied to the house whilst I rebuild myself. 

I am able to go out for short walks and do light housework  I even went to the cinema 9 days after surgery so recovery can be quick  

I did have chemo, and will have more in February. I understand you must be concerned as your relative is unable to have it, however not all people with stomach cancer get it, especially those in early stages. It does sound like the surgeon is confident in going for a cure, even with chemo there are no guarantees unfortunately, recurrence is a worry for us all, but as my surgeon always says take things one step at a time and deal with any problems only when they arise. 

If you could plant the seed in your relatives head that they have to get up and mobile in the early days of recovery it can really help, it was drummed in to me to be mobile to avoid risks of infections, pneumonia, post surgery complications and that I’d get home sooner, it worked. 

I know nothing can really take away all the anxiety but I hope I’ve helped a little, please message me if you have any other questions. 

Best wishes x