Non-Chemo Cancer Treatment Options

MSK has a few options to help with chemo. For example a Prescription for turkey tail. Exercise routines including exercise yoga, meditation and tai chi.

Initially they wanted to start me on chemotherapy until I got a second opinion from another oncologist who recommended immunotherapy. That's what I am doing right now I have had three sessions. I have three more to go and then I will have a pet scan. They did however say I will need to have half my stomach removed to totally eliminate the cancer. 🙏

Unfortunately they had to remove my stomach because of the location of the tumor which was close to my esophagus. So eating now is a whole new life style. Six times a day instead of 3. Small amounts and chew good. I’m still getting cramps, hot flashes and fast heart beats after most meals. I’m 3 months out of surgery so I guess it takes time for intestines to get used to the new setup.

Don, thank you for sharing. It sounds as if my diagnosis mirrors yours. I am scheduled for surgery on October 23, for the removal of my stomach. Did you have to do chemo prior to surgery and will you have to do any post surgery?

Yes 4 sessions of chemo followed by surgery and then 4 more sessions of chemo. I only did 2 more sessions couldn’t take the chemo it was killing me. So they switched me to Immunotherapy 2 times a month for a year. My blood test came back negative for any signs of cancer.

Haven’t startled the immunology treatment yet. Can’t get drug approved. I’m appealing.

Thanks again for responding. My treatment plan does mirrors yours original plan. May I ask what exactly about the 2nd round of chemo were you unable to tolerate.

Lost a lot of weight and was weak I thought it was killing me.

Exploring non-chemotherapy treatment options for gastric cancer is something many patients consider, and it's completely understandable to want to learn about all available approaches. Treatment decisions are deeply personal and should always be made in close partnership with your oncology team, who can discuss options like surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies based on your specific diagnosis and staging. This community is here to support you as you navigate these important conversations with your medical team.

@Don what you describe sounds like ‘dumping syndrome’. If I eat things w high sugar content it goes straight to your bloodstream and w the insulin’s spike you actually experience low sugar symptoms!? Also eat slowly, eat small portions. I eat protein first (egg, cheese?) to artificially slow down the way food enters the GI. Courage! Ate baby food for the 1st 3 months after surgery LOL 🎃