Gastric cancer, what next?

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Bozz - 17 Sep 2006 19:42 GMT

Hi all,
My wife was diagnosed with an inoperable gastric cancer in January 2006. She
had 6 cycles of ECF which ended in mid June and has been pretty much symptom
free until about four weeks ago. The original symptom of not being able to
eat anything but a few mouthfuls is now coming back and she had a severe
pain but only for a few minutes a few nights ago. Other than the above she's
well.

My question is, what's the next step treatment wise? We are about to get an
appointment to see her oncologist but forewarned is forearmed and I'd like
to know what options are likely to be available.

Thanks

Ian

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J - 18 Sep 2006 00:46 GMT

> My wife was diagnosed with an inoperable gastric cancer in January 2006. She
> had 6 cycles of ECF which ended in mid June and has been pretty much symptom
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> appointment to see her oncologist but forewarned is forearmed and I'd like
> to know what options are likely to be available.

Hello Ian,
I'm sorry to hear your wife's problems and my out of context previous reply to
you. I misread "inoperable" as operable. My sincere apology.

I would hope that the oncologist will do some palpation of the area and order up
a scan to see what's happening. I think Steph told us radiation therapy can
often be done to palliate pain, maybe shrink tumor and/or lymph nodes. Depends
on location. If your wife can remember the location and/or a movement that
caused the pain (like sitting up or bending over, that might help). If it came
out of the blue and hasn't rehappened, there might not be many "clues" to tell
the oncologist. But probably best to start a pain diary (daily). even if there
are none to report, at the moment. Rate the pains, when they happen, O being no
pain , 10 being rthe worst imaginable. Ask the oncologist if (s)he'll be
managing her pain, if/when happens and if (s)he will be available night/day for
scripts and/or meds changes. If not, best to have GP as backup on that. In other
words, if the oncologist provides a script, make sure it's mentioned in your
diary, and any subsequent changes and make sure the GP is aware you could need
his/her help, along the way and that you'll have a pain diary to help him/her
know what's been happening.

That's all I can think of at the moment, until you've seen the oncologist and
see what's next.

This webpage shows where it can spread, including lymph nodes
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/TypesofCancer/Stomach/default.htm
Also says "Some foods may need to be pureed or well cooked for easier
digestion."

Please keep in touch. And watch for other replies, or better suggestions.
J

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gumbi gumbi - 18 Sep 2006 17:39 GMT

Gumbi gumbi. Alternative cancer treatment? Natures
chemotherapy?.www.gumbigumbi.com

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Bozz - 21 Sep 2006 16:20 GMT

Hi,

It looks like a CT is needed to assess what's going on and then we go from
there. Head Onco didn't see this all as very encouraging development. The
reccomended chemo (Irinotecan and 5'FU), if it is various mets, stands a 10%
chance of being effective and a 17% of serious side effects, both of which
are crap odds really. Having said that, the ECF is only effective in about
35% of cases and it worked well - if you can call 3 months symptom free
working well? Of course it would be up to us to go for it or not. As I said
in an earlier post, my wife was a chemo nurse specilist so I think that we
are of the opinion that if you live by the sword then you die by it so to
speak and any chance is better than none.

We've just had a great holiday with the kids in France and just the two of
us in St Lucia. We've got to eek out a bit more life from this bastard of a
disease. Never say die - well not until you really have to!!!!

Ian

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J - 22 Sep 2006 00:13 GMT

> It looks like a CT is needed to assess what's going on and then we go from
> there. Head Onco didn't see this all as very encouraging development. The
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> us in St Lucia. We've got to eek out a bit more life from this bastard of a
> disease. Never say die - well not until you really have to!!!!

Hello again, Ian.
It's good to read that you've had some quality time travelling.
Best wishes with the scan.
Hopefully our worst thoughts aren't what is happening.
If it is, then your wife might appreciate Steph's algorithm about treatment
decisions
(archived here)
<http://groups.google.com/group/alt.support.cancer/msg/1b25021ba108fca1?hl=en&lr=
&ie=UTF-8>

Thanks for the update; I'll be watching for your next.
Best,
J

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Deck - 25 Jan 2007 18:05 GMT

Hi Ian, Sorry to hear about your wife and I hope she continues to improve.
My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer recently (non-small
cell adenocarcinoma) , non resectable with complete oulet obstruction. I saw
the laproscopy images and the mets on the diaphragm and omentum are
significant. She is on ECF chemo for now. While I am keeping a strong front
for her I wish to hear some reality from anyone with an unfortunate similar
condition...what can we expect (I know everyone is different). Currently she
feeds thru a J-tube and empties her stomach thru a G-tube. Looks very similar
to your wifes condition?

Thanks,
Deck

>Hi all,
>My wife was diagnosed with an inoperable gastric cancer in January 2006. She
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
>Ian

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