Hi, I’m Miguel, from the USA. I went to see my doctor after having a series of digestive upsets and a persistent stomach ache. I was diagnosed with stage 2 stomach (gastric) cancer soon after.
I had a series of digestive upsets and a persistent ache in my stomach. I also had unexplained weight loss. I had gone to see my doctor and got referred to the hospital. The endoscopy picked up an ulcer. The diagnosis was stage 2 gastric cancer.
The news took me by surprise and left me confused.
Since my diagnosis, I have had to change my lifestyle and control my diet. They include reducing my alcohol intake from five drinks per week to just two, a more active lifestyle, increasing my exercise regimen by 50% and opting for healthier choices every day.
I followed my doctor’s recommendations diligently in treating the cancer. I started off with chemotherapy to shrink the tumour followed by partial gastrectomy to remove the tumor. I had more chemotherapy after that to kill any remaining cancer cells. Now, I’m on pain medication, vitamin B12, iron supplements and multivitamins. Since my body’s absorption was affected, I had to take vitamin D and calcium supplements as well.
The worst side effects for me were the fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dumping syndrome and the issues I had with malabsorption.
After everything, I found my exercise had fallen by half, while I still kept my drinking down, only once a week now. I still worked on eating healthier every day. Beyond that, the time spent with my children fell, and I haven’t been able to go on our usual annual family trip.
For myself, my wife passed away a year before I fell sick. I have not gone to visit her grave since the diagnosis. I will go to see her once I feel better. I also plan to visit my son in New York.
I don’t wish to be a burden to anybody. In sickness or in health, I should and will be able to support myself.
Some time has passed since hearing the news. Now, I feel more neutral, but still quite sad. I had to change my lifestyle after the treatment, and I have to control my diet. I also developed dumping syndrome, which has made life more difficult for me. I feel miserable.
Stay strong. Life has its ups and downs. Don’t do it for others. Do it for yourself.
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
Click here for more information.