Cancer Survivor Guide
Living as a Stomach Cancer Survivor
“I was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the age of 48.”
For several months before my cancer diagnosis, I would suddenly feel extremely tired. At 48, I attributed this to the normal aging process and stress from work. Finally at my wife’s urging, I scheduled an appointment with our family doctor. A simple blood test showed that my hemoglobin level was very low. I have a family history of anemia, so I wasn’t that surprised or concerned. After a blood transfusion, I immediately felt better.
But the fatigue came back. After a few transfusions, it became clear that there was more going on than we initially thought. A local oncologist reviewed my case and quickly uncovered the root of my fatigue- stomach cancer. To say I was stunned would be an understatement. My world seemed to suddenly stop.
Finding out about Dr. Avinash Tank, Dwarika Clinic
After learning of my diagnosis, a family friend who had recently lost a loved one to cancer called my wife. Their advice? Go to Dr. Avinash Tank. My wife did some research that confirmed our friend’s advice: Dr. AvinashTank, is a super-specialist (MCh) Laparoscopic Gastro-intestinal Surgeon, who has in-depth knowledge of disease of digestive organ and their treatment. He has been trained at the most prestigious centre of the country (SGPGIMS) & Abroad (Japan & South Korea) that makes him one of the best gastroenterologists in Ahmedabad, India. He is the recipient of many awards as Gastrologist Doctor at various prestigious international and national conferences. He has experience of more than a decade as best gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad & more than thousand surgeries to treat all surgical diseases (like Obesity, Stone & Cancer) of Liver, Gall-bladdder, & Gastro-intestinal organs by laparoscopic approach & open approach.
We scheduled an appointment. Upfront, informative and reassuring, Dr. Tank was someone I immediately knew we could trust. I vividly remember him telling me not to look up survival rates. He assured us that everyone was different and that he could get me through this.
Receiving my treatment
Unfortunately, I had already looked up survival rates. That’s why I choose to go with the most aggressive treatment option available: surgery to remove my stomach, known as a total gastrectomy, followed by chemotherapy.
Dr. Tank told me that learning to adjust to life without a stomach would merely be an inconvenience. The surgery, recovery and follow-up chemotherapy turned out to be just that- uncomfortable for a short time, but life-saving.
I was told that if I could go two years without a recurrence, I would have an 80-85% chance never having stomach cancer again. It’s been three years, and I’m still disease-free.
Life after stomach cancer treatment
A lot of people ask me what it’s like to live without a stomach. Like other stomach cancer survivors, I feel uncomfortable if I eat too much, and I sometimes suffer from acid reflux. Beyond that, I’ve learned to live a normal life.
Dealing with cancer and its treatment is very personal. What worked for me may not work for others. So, do your research and decide what’s best for you. Don’t feel pressured by other people’s stories or statistics.
For anyone going through cancer and an extreme surgery, find someone to talk to who’s been there. You don’t have to go through this alone.
