Javier Florez: Diagnosed Stage 4 in 2016: Gastrectomy is Not An Option

Javier Florez decided to run a half-marathon for the first time in 2016. After checking off this bucket list item at the end of the year, he noticed that he was getting short of breath when climbing stairs. The breathlessness got so bad over time that Javier could barely walk down a long hallway without getting winded.
His primary care doctor conducted a number of tests and scans. Ultimately, the doctor referred him to a lung specialist for further answers. Both the doctor and the lung specialist could see that something was in Javier’s lung area, but they weren’t sure what it was. They conducted a lung biopsy that revealed adenocarcinoma.
This meant nothing to Javier at the time until the doctor explained that he had cancer of either the stomach or pancreas. Eventually, testing showed that Javier had cancer in his stomach, lungs, and lymph nodes.
He was immediately put on palliative care. Javier endured chemo well, and after six months of treatments, his scans looked excellent - his masses had shrunk. He stopped chemotherapy at that point and continued maintenance treatments for being HER2+.
Javier says his quality of life is fantastic, and he believes hope and a positive attitude have contributed to his healing. He is realistic about his situation, but lives life without fixating on his stomach cancer diagnosis.

[@user-wd3po8sd7k]

It seems you were given a miracle ❤

[@K9sf]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@archangel1527]

I’m so glad you are doing well. Enjoy every moment and keep fighting.