How to deal with symptoms of advanced stomach cancer

According to American Cancer SocietyStomach cancer (stomach cancer) accounts for only 1.5% of all new cancers diagnosed in the United States each year. Although it is less common, it is still a cause for concern when detected.

stomach cancer Initially, it tends to be asymptomatic (shows no signs of symptoms). However, in later stages, the ability to eat and swallow can be hindered, leading to many other symptoms, including:

• loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• fatigue or weakness
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain and bloating
• heartburn and indigestion

When these symptoms surface, they can be confused with other gastrointestinal disorders, such as: stomach ulcer or gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, the longer cancer goes undiagnosed, the greater the risk that the cancer will metastasize or spread outside the stomach.

“It doesn't spread rapidly in the same way that leukemia patients develop very aggressive cancers within days. Stomach cancer typically develops over months, if not years. ” explains the oncologist. Dr. Alok Khorana. “However, if left untreated for many months, the cancer can spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.”

This means it's important to recognize and understand your symptoms, especially if you want to avoid a diagnosis of stomach cancer in its advanced stages.

Managing gastric cancer symptoms

If symptoms persist or worsen, treatment may be required. Upper endoscopy Determine whether you have stomach cancer. Additionally, if you are diagnosed with stomach cancer, your symptoms may persist or change over time, depending on the treatment and whether the cancer shrinks or grows in size.

Symptoms of stomach cancer vary from person to person. Some people experience severe abdominal pain, and others have difficulty swallowing. Others experience both along with other symptoms.

The symptoms you experience vary greatly depending on how far the cancer has spread, how large the tumor grows, and where the cancer is located. In general, if you have advanced stomach cancer, the following symptoms tend to be the most common:

change in appetite

Loss or loss of appetite is one of the most common symptoms of stomach cancer. If the cancer itself is widespread and causes feelings of not wanting to eat, health care providers may use drugs such as mirtazapine or olanzapine to stimulate appetite.

“Sometimes people lose their appetite because of the location of the tumor,” notes Dr. Khorana. “If the tumor is successfully removed or reduced in size, your appetite may return.”

Also, if you have stomach pain accompanied by loss of appetite, Palliative medicine specialist It can also help with pain management and improve appetite.

nutritional issues

You want to continue eating as healthily as possible for as long as possible to maintain your strength and energy levels. Although you may not be able to eat all the foods you once loved, nutritionist or nutritionist above healthy meal plan It benefits you and your body.

If you continue to lose interest in eating or have trouble eating because of swallowing difficulties, you are at increased risk of: malnutrition and unexpected weight loss.

“For gastric cancer patients, it's important to maintain calorie intake because you don't want to lose too many calories,” explains Dr. Khorana. “When nutrition is compromised, it becomes harder for the body to tolerate treatment.”

You may find it difficult to eat large meals or eat three meals a day. You may need to eat smaller portions and larger portions to get the nutrients you need without sacrificing quality. high calorie foods eggs, avocado, nuts, etc. Foods high in protein It also helps you get the calories you need quickly.

“Some people prefer high-calorie supplements like Boost® or Ensure®,” says Dr. Khorana. “Energy bars, protein powders, and milkshakes are all ways to get a lot of calories in a small amount. If you don't have one diabetesIce cream is also a good way to get a lot of calories in a small amount. ”

for those who have difficulty swallowing, liquid food may also be helpful.

Feeling of weakness, malaise, fatigue

Low energy and feeling tired throughout the day are also common symptoms of stomach cancer and related treatments.

Of course, trying to maintain a healthy eating plan with high calories may help improve your energy levels. get I slept all night do the same. However, the fatigue may still persist or get worse over time.

“It's very easy to get sick with a disease like cancer,” admits Dr. Khorana. “If you're feeling tired and your treatments are burdening you, it's a natural reaction to want to relax and do nothing.”

However, the less activity you do, the worse your body becomes. This can lead to a vicious cycle of feeling even more tired. Over time, it becomes more difficult to engage in physical activity. Therefore, anything you can do to stay active during the early stages of treatment and throughout your treatment is beneficial. Even if I try to do something small physical activity Doing it daily can improve your energy levels.

“You don't even need to be as active as you were before your cancer diagnosis, but you should maintain some low-intensity exercise that gets your heart rate up,” he advises. “brisk walk For most people, this is the easiest thing to do. The more you keep at it, the better you'll get. ”

feel nauseous or vomit

Although vomiting is less common, nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can occur as a result of stomach cancer itself or as a side effect of stomach cancer. chemotherapy.

“Thankfully, we have a lot antiemetic We have improved nausea control in all types of cancer, including stomach cancer,” says Dr. Khorana. “We use these very widely to prevent nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy.”

at homeTry to stay hydrated by drinking clear liquids and rest until the nausea subsides. If vomiting is uncontrollable for a period of time, you may need to go to the emergency room to get the fluids and nutrients you need. through an intravenous drip.

Persistent stomach pain or other stomach problems

It is not uncommon for stomach cancer to cause stomach pain. Palliative medicine experts can help you in a variety of ways. pain management techniques And medicine.

“In some cases, pain management may include lower-grade analgesics, such as something as simple as Tylenol®,” explains Dr. Khorana. “In some cases, stronger drugs such as opioids may be needed. But there are many options for people to manage their pain.”

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions

“When you're diagnosed with stomach cancer, you're not just dealing with the cancer itself; you're also dealing with the effects of the cancer,” Dr. Khorana emphasizes. “Our usual life is interrupted.”

Enjoyments such as eating food may be more difficult than they used to be. And if you are of working age, you may have to stop working for a while. Change when and how you work.

“For many people, work is a very important part of their identity, and it's also where a lot of socializing happens,” says Dr. Khorana.

Facing the reality of the disease can be especially difficult for young people with stomach cancer. We don't have the same experience Just like other people my age. And when your social network collapses, you may feel even more alone.

“These experiences certainly increase the burden of disease and can contribute to disease. depression and anxiety “It’s related to a cancer diagnosis,” he continues.

that's your mental health top priority. try work with a therapist or social worker. It will help you understand what's going on, and you'll learn how to handle situations in a healthy way and make the most of each day.

Living with advanced stomach cancer

Early detection of the warning signs of stomach cancer is the key to avoiding a terminal diagnosis. But that's not always possible or likely.

If you are living with advanced stomach cancer, you are not alone. Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers will work with you to figure out which treatments will have the most positive impact on you and your health. Along the way, we'll also help you make certain lifestyle modifications that can help improve your quality of life at home.