What happened, in summary

Laura McFetridge Ayala learned at age 22 that she carried a CDH1 mutation linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. Five months later, a biopsy found cancer, which affected the timing of her surgery. She underwent total gastrectomy in August 2011, becoming the third sibling in her family to have the operation before age 27.

The surgery came early in adult life, about a year after college and while Laura was newly married. Her husband supported her from genetic testing through surgery and recovery.

Laura described the emotional adjustment as difficult at times, including anxiety, low mood, and a sense of not feeling like herself. She continued adapting to life without a stomach while drawing on the experience and support of relatives who had faced similar decisions.