Stage IV Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Angel's Survivor Story
This gastric cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage IV
- Subtype
- Adenocarcinoma
- Treatment
- chemotherapy and surgery
- Outcome
- Cancer-Free / NED
Treatment course, step by step
- Received 6 cycles of FLOT chemotherapy before surgery.
- Underwent a partial gastrectomy.
- Received 2 additional cycles of FLOT chemotherapy.
- Underwent HIPEC surgery.
What happened, in summary
Angel had months of heartburn, reflux, bloating and feeling full quickly before seeking medical care. Over-the-counter medicines had seemed enough at first, but further evaluation in December 2023 led to a diagnosis of Stage IV stomach cancer, specifically gastric adenocarcinoma. Angel sought a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment began with 6 cycles of FLOT chemotherapy, followed by a partial gastrectomy. Angel then received 2 more FLOT cycles and underwent HIPEC surgery. Chemotherapy caused peripheral neuropathy, with cold and numb hands and feet, as well as fatigue and weight changes.
In August 2024, within a year of the original diagnosis, Angel was declared cancer-free and described the status as NED. Life after treatment still included concern that the cancer could return, but Angel focused on staying active and now exercises daily. Learning as much as possible about the diagnosis and treatment helped reduce fear of the unknown. Angel encouraged others to pay attention to nutrition, speak openly about difficult fears and keep living rather than allowing recurrence anxiety to take over.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Our Cancer Stories. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer