Gastric Cancer Support Group

Hi. I had an endoscopy this Monday, Jan 5, and a 6cm mass was found in my stomach. Samples were taken for biopsy, and yep, cancer and malignant. I had a CT scan on Wednesday to determine the extent and it showed that the mass had not gone through the stomach wall, although two lymph nodes were affected, and there's a spot on my liver that is questionable (my GI thinks it's just a piece of fat, but he also thought the endoscopy would show gastric reflux...)

I'm trying to stay upbeat about this, and, oddly enough, succeeding for the most part. My significant other has been great, and my friends have been very supportive.

The sig.other found a website for cancer patients whose founder had six rules for fighting the disease:
1. Get the best medical care you can.
2. Get the best medical care you can.
3. Get the best medical care you can.
4. Get the best medical care you can.
5. Get the best medical care you can.
6. Keep a positive outlok

In pursuit of rules 1 through 5, I'm looking be seen at the Dana-Farber Cancer Center (It's in Boston, and I live in a suburb of Boston). My current doc is associated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center here, and while I suppose it's a good hospital, it's not focused on cancer the way Dana-Farber is. Also he seems kinda spooked by my case, and organizational follow through is lame: "I've emailed the gastric surgeon and the oncologist and they should be in touch with you by Monday, Tuesday latest. If you haven't heard from them, call me." Huh?

Anybody around in the Boston area? If so, any experiences with Beth Israel and Dana-Farber to relate? Thanks.
Posted on 01/11/09, 02:01 am