Rachel Orth: Navigating Clinical Trials and Limited Options at Stage 4
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- Опубликовано: 30 май 2024
- Rachel received her stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis at age 32. The diagnosis seemed to come out of nowhere: Rachel had no known risk factors, no symptoms, and she was living an active and busy life as a mother of several children.
Rachel discovered her cancer at an annual well visit, when her doctor discovered a mass during her pelvic exam. They figured it was probably a benign tumor, so they planned to move forward with surgery to remove the mass. After the surgery, Rachel woke up to learn that the tumor was malignant. She had both ovaries removed and there was evidence of disease throughout her abdomen.
Rachel struggled with recovering from surgery, experiencing forced menopause, and dealing with the isolation of COVID all at once. She had her first oncology visit over Zoom, where she learned that she signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the stomach. The cancer had spread to Rachel’s omentum and ovaries. The oncologist told her that the cancer was aggressive and terminal.
Rachel was not a candidate for surgery or radiation due to her advanced diagnosis. She had limited chemotherapy options, as well, so her oncologist encouraged her to explore clinical trials. Rachel describes the process of searching for clinical trials as overwhelming. There were many logistical challenges to work out and qualifying wasn’t easy. Despite the challenges, Rachel remained positive, and proceeded with eight rounds of FLOT in hopes of eventually being a candidate for surgery. She handled the chemo well, but the cancer did not respond to the treatments like she’d hoped.
Finally, some viable clinical trial options came up for Rachel. One of these trials ended up being her second line of treatment for the last two years. Rachel has remained stable for two years, and is extremely grateful that she had the chance to participate in the trials. She hopes that more patients will have the opportunity to access trials whenever they are available.
I’m astonished at how many young people are getting stomach cancer. No risk factors. You’re such a sweet, young lady. I pray that God will bless and heal you.
Two relatives of mine, were diagnosed with the faulty CDH 1 gene which can cause the signet cell stomach cancer.
@@joannek8319 Very sorry to hear that.
You are such a warrior, and your stomach cancer sisters are so proud of you!!! Many blessings!!❤
@HopeForStomachCancer - I never had anyone in my family with stomach cancer. Sorry you are going thru this. BUT I had thyroid cancer many years ago and no trace of any cancer since. My late mother died of lung cancer (genetics) many years ago so cancesr runs in my family as well. Keep your faith in ALMIGHTY GOD the author of LIFE. Eternal life thru Jesus the Son of GOD. John 3:16,17 Merry Christmas! God bless you! ❤✝✝✝
Amen.
look up joe tippins when you read this. good luck!
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