Total Gastrectomy for stomach cancer: What can I expect?

Posted by twocents @twocents, May 31, 2021

My husband was diagnosed with stage four gastric cancer in November. He has had chemo, chemo bath and a light dosage of radiation. The end of this month he will have a total gastrectomy. We have been to the mayo clinic twice and this is where the surgery will be. I’m wondering if anyone on here has had a total gastrectomy and what we can expect on recovery time and what the future brings. The surgeon at mayo says he will only be able to eat 3/4 of a cup of food at a time. We have been very pleased with the care we have received at Mayo clinic.

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rhonda1964 | @rhonda1964 | Aug 18, 2022

Poorly differentiated signet ring cell adenocarcinoma ??

davidday1965 | @davidday1965 | Aug 19, 2022

In reply to @rogro "Well I’ll have to look you up. My surgery date is August 17th at St Mary’s!" + (show)

Hello rogro well hoping all went well with your surgery on August 17th correct mine is today pretty nervous but better to remove it than leave it. you can message me take care. Dave

cyberkitty | @cyberkitty | Jan 18 3:08am

I had a total gastrectomy two years ago. Not from cancer. I had 100’s of bleeding ulcers & went into organ failure.
The procedure was not the worst. Was didn’t experience a lot of pain due to the IV pain meds.
I am still struggling to eat and gain weight. I went from 145 - 85lbs. If possible work with a nutritionist.
I am guess he will come home with a feeding tube. If this is true he will need your help. It took me a few months to sit & stand on my own. (Again a planned gastrectomy should have a better recovery plan)
Once off the tube and eating normally - timing is everything!!!! There will several favourites that are no longer. Always eat less than you think. IMORTANT -liquids - you must wait at least 1 -3 between food. Failure to do so will result in severe intestinal cramps. But everyone is different.
If you have any questions please feel free to DM.
There seem to be people here with a wealth of knowledge.
I am still a newbie, but I am you wishing your family the best.
Please don’t forget to take care of yourself. Again a DM anytime is welcome.
(I always typed this without glasses please forgive me)

markgventnor | @markgventnor | Jan 18 6:44pm

In reply to @cyberkitty "I had a total gastrectomy two years ago. Not from cancer. I had 100’s of bleeding..." + (show)

I was diagnosed with a senoval sarcoma cancer. ( rare cancer )I was hospitalized for 14 days and a long recovery.
This was in 2019. I still have difficulty eating. Did not have a feeding tube. I thought I would never get better, So don't give up. You will get better and feel like your old self.
Wish you the best and all good things to follow.

cyberkitty | @cyberkitty | Jan 20 6:53pm

In reply to @markgventnor "I was diagnosed with a senoval sarcoma cancer. ( rare cancer )I was hospitalized for 14..." + (show)

Thank you Mark. Your reply. Means so much to me. It’s good to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I think that I need to figure out what and when to eat. Not too many doctors, nutritionists and dieticians have had too much experience in this field - at least not the ones I have worked with. It’s been a lot like trial by fire 🔥

markgventnor | @markgventnor | Jan 20 9:58pm

In reply to @cyberkitty "Thank you Mark. Your reply. Means so much to me. It’s good to know there is..." + (show)

Remember, just eat what you like. Don't have to worry about calories. Small snacks or meals during the day. I can not eat a dinner. It's too much food.

Keep the faith! From experience, you will get to feeling like your old self. I know that is hard to believe but it will happen. One day at a time. That is all you can do right now.