I plan on sharing my journey with you of my stomach cancer diagnosis in hopes of helping others be more aware. I’m at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama enjoying all the wonderful food. I start getting this distended stomach after eating so I thought I was overeating, which I do often. I still bought three pieces of Coconut Cake from my favorite place, Beverly’s in Fairhope, Alabama. Maybe I should eat something healthier, after all, everything I ate was heavy so I searched for salads to order. Then, this uncontrollable belching started that smelled like sour rotten eggs. I told my husband something is wrong but being diagnosed with stomach cancer was sure not in the cards and truly, I wasn’t even having much of gastric cancer symptoms. So, here’s my story.
What Are Gastric Cancer Symptoms or Stomach Cancer Risks?
I always tell my kids you are responsible for your own bodies. We got back in town on Saturday and Monday morning I called my doctor to say something is wrong. Yes, Wednesday to Saturday told me my stomach was not right but I didn’t have typical gastric cancer symptoms. Every time I ate I felt so full with a distended stomach and then, the uncontrollable belches. Was I vomiting? No! Did I have pain? No! Definitely not a poor appetite or weight loss! No heartburn!
I Have Zero Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
With zero risk factors and little symptoms I get a stomach cancer diagnosis stage 4. Risk factors include a diet high in salty and smoked foods, smoking, and the list goes on which I have nothing in common. What I do have in common is what you can do to maybe lower the risk of stomach cancer which is a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables.
These Few Gastric Cancer Symptoms Alerted Me To Find Out What’s Wrong With My Stomach?
What tests did my gastroenterologist, Dr. Ronald Boudreaux do? Most importantly, Dr. Boudreaux listened to me and performed tests! Blood work fine. Stool sample fine. So, I thought maybe I had a blockage but I was still going on with my daily life and even trying to eat! However, I called and complained to him of my stomach symptoms and he listened. He said I next needed an ultrasound and that showed my stomach lining was thickened. He didn’t seem alarmed and said hit could have been because my stomach was empty. Next, he said let’s scope you and squeezed me in at 6:45am the next morning.
Holly Clegg Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer (Hard to believe, but true)
Good thing I was groogy because the last thing anyone ever suspected was a stomach cancer diagnosis. Yes, we were all in shock!!! I loved my life sharing my recipes and promoting my cookbooks. My husband and I have been married 39 years with incredible kids who have the best spouses. Of course, amazing grandkids. WOW, do you put on your brakes! I do have the most amazing support group. Staying at my sister’s in Houston while at M.D. Anderson.
Life Now Begins Again with my Gastric Cancer Diagnosis
That same day as the scope, my brother-in-law in Houston got us into M. D. Anderson and I feel so fortunate. We threw things in the car and got there around midnight be meet with the surgeon the next day. Yes, I barely had gastric cancer symptoms and now in one day I have stomach cancer.
So, here we are now with two endoscopy’s later and exploratory surgery plus a feeding tube and port I have stomach cancer stage 4 diagnosis. Don’t get caught up in the numbers because I am not! I plan to continue working and following my passion of giving you the tools to cook healthier with my easy recipes!
My Stomach Cancer Journey Begins
So, I spent 5 days in the hospital to get my body use to a feeding tube. Yes, the queen of eating ha a feeding tube we named “Cookie” and a port, my long, challenging journey begins. I plan to kick this stomach cancer’s as._ !!!!!!! Get ready for the ride because I also plan to include each of you in my journey. I have bee helping people for over 15 years to battle cancer with my best-selling cancer cookbook, Eating Well Through Cancer. Now, I will turn to those pages to help myself. Gastric cancer has unique challenges which I am learning along the way.
Eating Well Through Cancer Touches Me Personally!
I have one of the best-selling cancer cookbooks. I autograph these cookbooks. and sell to cancer centers nationwide to make a difference. Now, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I wrote this book in honor of my father who was diagnosed with larynx cancer and lived seventeen years. He is my hero and my role model to tackle my gastric cancer diagnosis with courage and determination. My job is to give you Easy Recipes For Cancer patients!
I will have another chapter to add because gastric cancer and a feeding tube adds another dimension. As I experience cancer side effects, I now will turn to my cookbook, Eating Well Through Cancer, to guide me through my cancer treatment for gastric cancer.
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Dearest
Holly,
YOU are fabulous and full of life! I so admire you! I know you will go through this journey with flying colors and a great smile YOU are such a positive person, I know you have got this! I am keeping you and your family in my daily prayers and I have included you in a prayer chain!
Warmly and in friendship!
Linda Funk
Thanks Linda and I have always enjoyed our friendship and working with you. Hopefully, I will be on one of your food trips next year!! I am still working and busy as this is my passion!
First, you are a warrior who looks ready for battle! My heart and strength are being sent your way! Cancer sucks and it will not win! Stay strong lady, you’ve got this!
Yes, I am ready for this challenging battle! Especially, with so many of you out there sending me strength, courage and prayers! Thanks, Hollly
Thank you Holly for sharing your cancer journey. I am sure it will touch many lives. You are a loving woman. My church Istrouma Baptist will be in prayer. God will give you His sustaining GRACE through this Journey. Thank you for for the good you do in helping others. love your forever friend. CORAMDEO.
Thanks so much for the Istrouma Baptist prayers. I welcome them and your kind words. I get strength from so many of you helping me through this journey. Holly