Stage II Gastric Cancer: Irasema's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Irasema Partida Chavez was 34 when months of heartburn, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss eventually led to an endoscopy in 2015. Biopsies showed stomach cancer. She underwent a partial gastrectomy that removed 80% of her stomach, and surgery found cancer in nearby lymph nodes, resulting in a Stage II diagnosis.

After about 6 weeks of recovery, Irasema received chemotherapy and radiation. Adjusting to eating with a much smaller stomach while going through treatment was difficult, and she needed additional nutritional support. For 8 months, there was no evidence of disease. In September 2016, however, follow-up biopsies showed a localized recurrence. Irasema then underwent a total gastrectomy, removing the rest of her stomach.

Years later, Irasema reported that she had remained free of stomach cancer for about 8 years. She has spoken openly about the challenges of living without a stomach and about the support she received from her wife and medical team. Her experience also led her to become a strong advocate for people with gastric cancer and for greater awareness of clinical trials. She emphasizes that a full and meaningful life is possible after major treatment.