It can be hard to face a stomach cancer diagnosis. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to stomach cancer treatment options, especially if surgery is on the horizon. You and your family will require resources to assist you in getting through this. For all elements of your care, your stomach cancer care team is your primary source of assistance. They are the most knowledgeable about your situation. However, by educating yourself, you may take an active role in your care. Here are a few suggestions to deal with the symptoms, treatment, and complications of stomach cancer.

Always switch to a solid diet gradually.

Your digestive system will need time to repair after stomach cancer surgery. While your gut recovers, nutrition treatment allows it to relax. However, your medical staff will try to get you to eat at some point. This process will begin slowly, with simple liquids. Follow your team’s advice on how soon you should advance your diet. Be patient since this procedure can take months to complete. You’ll be given instructions on what to eat and when to eat it.

Once you’re able to eat, eat smaller, more frequent meals

You won’t be able to eat the same way you did before the operation for stomach cancer. However, you can only eat a modest amount of food at one meal after surgery. As a result, you’ll have to eat much more frequently. You may have to eat every couple of hours. When you eat in this manner, it can take some getting accustomed to. Getting the nourishment you require can sometimes take a lot of forethought. Supplements can help you get nutrients you wouldn’t get from eating alone.

Always consult a qualified dietitian to fulfill your needs.

Even if you aren’t battling stomach cancer, making healthy dietary choices can be difficult. Stomach cancer and its treatments might make things much worse. Your strength and recuperation must eat the right foods to match your caloric and nutritional requirements. A nutritionist can assist you in meal planning and learning about which foods to avoid. This doctor will ensure you obtain enough protein, healthy fats, and nutrients to suit your body’s requirements. A nutritionist can also help you choose the proper supplements to complete your diet.

Know how to handle the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy, sometimes known as chemo, will almost certainly be a part of your stomach cancer treatment. Chemotherapy produces a lot of side effects, and many of them seem like stomach cancer symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and weakness are some of the symptoms. Other adverse effects, such as hair loss, oral sores, or infections, are possible. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, affects everyone differently. Before starting therapy, talk to your doctor to find out what to expect. Inquire about ways for preventing and treating chemo-related side effects. Having a procedure in position to deal with them can help you relax.

Socialize with those who are battling stomach cancer.

Cancer support groups are beneficial to many people. These communities allow people to connect with others who are now undergoing or have completed treatment for stomach cancer. Their advice and comfort can be a huge help during this challenging journey. Disease support groups can be generic or customized to your form of stomach cancer. They allow you to talk about your feelings, hopes, and anxieties with individuals who understand. If this idea does not appeal to you, look for other ways to connect with others. Consider joining a book club, a hobby organization, or another group. Isolation and depression can be combated by remaining social.

Inform your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing signs of dumping syndrome.

When food passes very swiftly into the small intestine, it is referred to as dumping syndrome. It can occur shortly after eating or several hours afterward. Early dumping syndrome symptoms appear 30 minutes after eating. Nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, or a rapid heart rate are possible symptoms. After a few hours of eating, you may experience late dumping syndrome. Sweating, dizziness, shakiness, and anxiousness are all symptoms that are similar to low blood sugar. After a gastrectomy, approximately half of the people will develop dumping syndrome.

Learn how to deal with the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy will almost certainly be an integral part of your stomach cancer treatment. Chemotherapy has a lot of side effects, and many of them seem like stomach cancer symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and weakness are some of the symptoms. Other adverse effects, such as hair loss, oral sores, or infections, are possible. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, affects everyone differently. Before starting therapy, talk to your doctor to find out what to expect. Inquire about ways for preventing and treating chemo-related side effects. Having a plan in place to deal with them can help you relax.

Maintain your records throughout your stomach cancer treatment journey.

During the diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer, you will see several healthcare providers. After treatment, you may need to see a different doctor. Having a copy of all of your records on hand can help you save time and money. Obtain copies of appointment summaries, pathology results, and treatment information. Many health institutions use a patient portal to give this information online. If not, request copies from your doctor and medical facilities. Keep all of your insurance explanations of benefits, EOBs, and other insurance documents with your documents as well.

Consider participating in a clinical study for the treatment of advanced stomach cancer.

Clinical trials are human volunteers in skillfully controlled research projects. They frequently put innovative medicines or approaches to stomach cancer therapy to the test. Participating in a clinical trial has various advantages. You might be able to acquire access to treatments that aren’t available to the general population. While participating in a research study, your medical expenditures may be paid. By advancing research, you can also benefit future stomach cancer patients. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is proper for you if you have advanced stomach cancer. If stomach cancer recurs after treatment, you might wish to consider enrolling in a clinical study.

Stomach cancer survival rate is considerably low since it is difficult to detect at an early stage. The 5-year survival rate points to the percentage of patients who lived for five years after being diagnosed with cancer. Stomach cancer is one of the most often diagnosed tumors in both men and women, often having few symptoms until they are advanced. However, some lifestyle adjustments you can make right now to lower your risk. So, if your gastrointestinal system appears to be acting strangely, don’t panic!

To learn more about stomach cancer management tips, visit University Cancer Centers.