Total Gastrectomy for stomach cancer: What can I expect?

Hello I was going through mayo connect and seen your post I am also having my total gastrectomy August 19th in Rochester I have been trying to learn on what to expect and how to get the right mind set on how my life style is going to change staying positive hope all goes well and your recovery goes well. God bless Dave

I am having a total gastrectomy in August. I am curious of what to expect.

I am very sorry your husband has that diagnosis, as does mine. My husband had the total gastrectomy last September. At first, he was having a lot of trouble eating right. I found it helpful to out his protein and calorie goals on a white board. A friend of mine that is a dietician even helped me make a schedule of things to eat that he was willing to eat.

After a couple of months, he could eat a wide variety of foods and was much more normal. He still had to eat often, but the quantities he could eat did gradually improve.

Right now he is having more trouble because of strictures forming at the junction between his stomach and esophagus. I am hopeful that this will eventually resolve.

He got very very skinny (he always was thin) but we found that he can put some of the weight back on when he is able to eat well.

He sleeps propped up. If your husband needs to sleep with his head elevated, I think it would be easier to prop up the head of your bed with blocks that stores sell.

If I can be of any help, feel free to write back.

@kbcutiepie, I was in the same role with my mom and dad when he had colorectal cancer surgery. I hope you saw the great caregiving suggestions that @nrocpop shared about taking notes and using your phone to take pictures of important information.

When will your dad have surgery? Are you able to be there with your mom?

I would like to add to this, from things I have learned as a cancer caregiver. I have found it VERY helpful to take pictures of any important documents (doctor business cards, port identification cards, stent information, suggested diet, etc). I made a folder on my phone for medical information for my husband and I keep it all in there at the tip of my fingers). I have found a notebook, as mentioned, very helpful for recording symptoms and what my husband was eating while recovering from the surgery and during chemo and radiation. I also record any blood pressure, temperature or pulse oxygen I take in there. That way I don’t forget what has happened if I am asked.

Hi Colleen! My dad is having the surgery because he has stomach cancer. He went through Chemo and as of right now he is cancer free 🙂 but the Doctor is concerned that it will come back and if it does, it could spread and we obviously dont want that! I'm hopeful the hospital will allow both me and my mother to be with him. My mother will be the main caregiver, but i'll be right there with her for anything that they need!