What to expect from chemotherapy for stomach cancer

Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to reduce the tumour, after surgery to treat remaining cancer cells, or when cancer needs control elsewhere. Your oncologist considers the tumour’s position and extent, biopsy findings, nutrition, kidney function and other health conditions. Treatment can involve an infusion, tablets, or both; an access device may be used for repeated infusions.

At each visit, tell the team about appetite, swallowing, reflux, pain, bowel changes and weight. Blood tests help determine whether treatment can proceed. Nausea, tiredness, taste changes, mouth soreness, diarrhoea or constipation can occur. Supportive medicines and dietitian input can help you maintain fluids and nourishment.

Take a current medicine list to every appointment and ask before using supplements or anti-inflammatory medicines. Keep easy-to-eat foods available, try small meals, and follow your team’s advice about fluids and food safety. Arrange transport if treatment or fatigue makes driving unsuitable. Keep a record of symptoms, bowel movements, temperature and what you manage to eat.

Call the oncology team urgently for the fever threshold they supplied, shaking chills, repeated vomiting, inability to swallow or keep fluids down, severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, or marked dizziness. Seek emergency care for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, chest pain or breathing difficulty. Report new swelling, redness or discharge around an access device promptly.

Ask whether chemotherapy is planned before or after surgery, how response will be assessed, and which digestive changes are expected. Ask for a nutrition plan, written instructions for fever and vomiting, an out-of-hours contact, and advice about work, travel and medicines for other conditions.