Gastric Cancer Support Group
Stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer) can develop in any part of the stomach and may spread throughout the stomach and to other organs, particularly the esophagus, small intestine. It also may extend through the stomach wall and spread to nearby lymph nodes and to organs such as the liver, pancreas, and colon.
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.
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.
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I am from the Boston area. My father was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was treated at MGH. I can't say enough positive things about the oncology floor there. The Dr.'s, nurses, staff.....everyone was fabulous. His Dr. was Dr. Ryan ( I believe he is the head of the gastric dept). Unfortunately for my dad, they found his cancer at stage 4 and he was already in liver failure. We tried aggressive chemo, but in his case it was discovered too late. However, I do believe he was in the best hands possible. I just wish we found it sooner. My aunt had aggressive breast cancer and went to Dana Farber. She has been in remission for a while now and she swears by that hospital. I know that in Boston there is also a lot of experimental treatment which is great if you are eligible. I wish you lots of strength as you face this.