June 2022
Thanks Gary1 for sharing your experience. Yes, I had very similar experience as yours with chemo treatment. It's like a boxing match, I felt like I just got onto my feet, then the next round of treatment came and I was knocked off my feet again. Chemo for me was harder to deal with after surgery. Hang in there Gary1. I found myself needing to accept and adapt to my new normal.
... View more
June 2022
1 Kudo
Hi Gary, Well done on getting through to your 4th round of chemo! My surgeon was going to remove my whole stomach, but thankfully he left 1/3 in situ. My advice is to speak to a dietitian post-op. I didn't know how to consume food after having most of my stomach removed, and had lots of indigestion or would vomit after a meal. Some food, eg mushrooms, were hard to digest after the surgery. Also, I didn't know one couldn't consume liquid and solid simultaneously. I am 2.5 years post surgery and chemo, and am still on small and frequent diet. But my consumption has increased from one egg to 2 pieces of toast & half a cup of hot drink for breakfast! Mushrooms don't bother me anymore. There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. The sensation in my stomach has also slowly returns. The stomach does expand, and you will need to prioritise what goes into your stomach as it does fill up very quickly 🙂 Also, don't forget to look after your teeth. Whilst frequent diet is great to accommodate one's small stomach, it isn't that great for your teeth. I hope it helps.
... View more
January 2020
2 Kudos
Thanks for the encouragement. I find chemo drugs so powerful that it drains one's mind (and body). So much harder to 'overcome' the physical side effects this time around. ... a bit like a 'loosing battle'.
... View more
January 2020
Thanks for sharing your chemo experience Colin81. I'm sorry to hear that you have been through so much.
... View more
January 2020
Thanks for sharing. Yes, I'm also experiencing other side effect not mentioned. I'll definitely need to have a good chat with my doctors. My tumor is in the lower 1/3 and duodenum. Chemotherapy consists of oxaliplatin, doxetacel and fluroracil. Treatment protocol 4 cycles pre surgery and 4 cycles post surgery.
... View more
January 2020
3 Kudos
Hi, I'm 8 weeks post radical resection of gastric tumour. 2/3 of my stomach gone. Thankfully, pathology reports showed localized tumor. I had 4 rounds of chemo pre surgery. Just completed my 5th round. I'm not going very well after the 5th chemo. I'm still having limited intake of fluids and solids due to stomach size. I'm going through lethargy, nausea, oral thrush, indigestions, diarrhoea/ constipation, hair loss from previous chemo, sensitive skin etc.... I found myself crying this time. No more treatment... there are 3 more rounds to go but I can't do it anymore. Has anyone not able to complete their chemo post gastric surgery?
... View more
October 2019
Thanks Budgie. Yes, hubby is having counselling. I'll ask if the hospital would let my 5yo stay for a couple of nights.
... View more
October 2019
1 Kudo
How does one prepare your family for surgery? I'm due for laparotomy in November and will be in hospital for at least a week. Hubby is working full time (also dealing with his emotions re my treatment/ diagnosis). Two young children at school. I'm worried for my five year old who missed me dearly when i was away one night in hospital. Friends and families have offered to help. But not sure how. What kind of help have you found useful from friends and families?
... View more
October 2019
1 Kudo
Thanks Budgie. I couldn't stand the smell of garlic whilst undergoing chemo. I'll give raw garlic another go. Btw, the oncologist put me on oral antibiotics.
... View more
October 2019
1 Kudo
I finished my 4th chemo 2,5 weeks ago, and am having a 4 weeks break before surgery. But, I have developed a sore throat and coughs, no fever. My kids and husband were sick. Wondering if there's any helpful remedies.
... View more
