An acquaintence’s relative has stomach cancer, and I’m told that she will have to have her stomach removed. So, what happens then? Is a stomach optional?
Well I’m not a doctor, but I’d guess that means that solid food is out of the question, and probably liquid as well. Not sure what that leaves you, except perhaps feeding intravenously for the rest of your life.
Your aquaintance’s relative has my condolences.
My father-in-law just went through this procedure – a total gastrectomy – in December. He can eat normally, to a degree, but he has to avoid a few things – mainly food with sugar added. He also has to have the B12 shots, as Ponster mentioned.
A gastrectomy is a major operation and takes a long time to get over. Add to that the possibility of radiation and/or chemotherapy and you have a recipe for a bad time. Lots of support from friends, family, and church make a huge difference. One of the best things for my f-i-l was that my wife had a baby girl one month to the day after his operation, so he finally has a grandchild in town and gets to see her frequently. (The phenomenal cuteness and sweetness of this particular child is also a bonus.)
Make sure your acquaintance’s family takes advantage of all of the support organizations out there, too.
RR