Stage II Gastric Cancer: Andy's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Andy had a family history of stomach cancer in a grandfather and uncle. A family doctor recommended genetic testing and an endoscopy, and the evaluation led to a diagnosis of Stage II gastric cancer. The diagnosis brought sadness, grief, and a sense of powerlessness.

Andy followed recommendations for a partial gastrectomy and chemotherapy. Traditional Chinese medicine was also tried, but after further research and discussion with the doctor, the treatment plan changed. At the time of the story, Andy was still undergoing cancer treatment and said targeted therapy was the current treatment. Side effects included diarrhea, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy, or numbness. Exercise and dietary changes helped with coping, while the lack of insurance coverage for targeted therapy created a major financial challenge.

Cancer also changed Andy’s priorities. Andy reduced alcohol use, focused more on healthy eating, spent more time with the children, traveled with family more often, and increased contact with parents. Fear that the cancer might spread remained a major concern, but family support and prayer helped Andy persevere. The strongest hope was to recover smoothly, grow old with a spouse, and see the children grow up.