While a HER2 positive gastric cancer diagnosis is mostly different from how you have been living your life until now, every person with cancer needs support with managing their symptoms and preserving their strength and quality of life throughout their treatment. Patients with cancer and their caregivers may have access to support services and resources throughout treatment.
Most gastric cancers are HER2-positive when they are diagnosed, meaning that the cancer cells have higher levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein than normal cells or even higher amplification of the HER2 gene. Patients with these types of stomach cancer can benefit from certain targeted treatments.
However, it is important to note that each individual case of cancer is unique and is determined by several factors including the stage of the cancer, the biomarker values from the tumor, the number of prior her2 positive stomach cancer treatment and the individual’s overall health.
Understanding the Relationship Between Treatment and Daily Wellness
The goal of HER2 positive stomach cancer treatment is to control the growth and spread of the disease. There are many different approaches to treatment and depending on the stage of the cancer and the biomarker results, as well as the patient’s overall health, treatment may consist of chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapies such as trastuzumab, and/or immunotherapy. The side effects of cancer treatment can affect patients differently and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
It is wrong to expect that every symptom needs to be eradicated to allow a patient to be well during their treatment. The wellness of a patient during treatment will generally decline and it is important to recognize the changes that occur because of the patient’s ever decreasing capacity to deal with the demands of their daily activities. Health care needs to be modified accordingly to ensure that appropriate support is given as required.
These issues are something that patients should go over with their oncology team to receive proper care and to find ways in which patients can receive appropriate support in dealing with their specific needs and ways in which patients are able to deal with their daily routines.
Maintaining Nutrition and Hydration
Many people with gastric cancer have difficulty eating because of the disease itself or as a side effect of treatment. In addition to the symptoms of cancer, patients may also experience nausea and changes in taste or early satiety because of their treatment.
Nutrition in people with HER2-positive gastric cancer is managed by an experienced cancer scientist, looking at the patient’s individual requirements and the symptoms affecting them on their treatment. Some people find it easier to eat smaller, more frequent meals than larger ones.
Patients may find it helpful too:
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Eat slowly and choose manageable portions.
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Include protein rich foods in the diet where possible.
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List out the foods that cause nausea, discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Persistent loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
Keep track of how much fluid you take in to replace losses due to vomiting or diarrhea. Fluid needs vary from person to person and even more so as they have different medical conditions and are on different treatments. Patients should report signs of dehydration such as feeling dizzy, not urinating as often, feeling unusually weak to their healthcare team.
Managing Fatigue and Staying Physically Active
We want you to recognize that while you are receiving cancer treatment, fatigue is very common and affects many people in a similar way. While you are under treatment the amount of activity that you can do will decrease. Because of this we encourage you to keep up as much activity as you can to maintain your strength and be able to carry out daily activities.
Helping patients to find the best amount of activity for them is important. Patients should avoid over-exerting themselves and aim for short periods of gentle activity such as walks or stretches approved by their treating team. Patients should seek advice from their healthcare provider about the level of activity recommended for them.
Set tasks for times of day when energy is highest and take regular breaks throughout the day. Offer to have family and friends help with tasks and do things that others can do for you. Report to your treating team any new, severe or persistent fatigue as it may be due to anemia, dehydration, or even an unsuspected infection.
Coping With Emotional Changes
Many people worry about the uncertainty of treatment, anxiety, and frustration in the face of cancer and its treatment. Cancer and its treatment can also have a huge impact on a patient’s relationships, how patients are perceived by others, their level of independence and how they are able to do things that they used to do.
Patients may like to talk through their feelings with family and friends, and other people affected by cancer. Counseling and support groups are also available to help people come to terms with their illness. The services of a psycho-oncology professional may also be useful.
Every person with cancer has different ways to manage activities to include rest. A patient can find activity that is gentle and even short to help maintain strength. The patient must listen to his/her physician and only do what is recommended. Following a regular sleep schedule, relaxing and spending time with loved ones can also help manage the emotional aspects of cancer and its treatment.
Following Treatment and Monitoring Symptoms
On behalf of the patient, make sure that all treatment-related appointments with the oncology team are attended. Monitor that all prescribed medication is taken and alert the team to any side effects, do not alter the dose of any prescribed medication.
They should also understand that there are many different treatments for her2 positive stomach cancer treatment and that there are many ways for a person with localized gastric cancer and a person with metastatic gastric cancer to try to stay well.
Try to remember as much as possible about your symptoms, your diet, your medicines and all your questions before each appointment with your healthcare team. The healthcare team needs to understand as promptly as possible symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, etc.
How Caregivers Can Provide Everyday Support
Involving the patient’s carer in their care and treatment will help ensure that they are getting the best treatment possible. If necessary, the carer can help remind the patient of their medication, attend their hospital appointments and can help manage their symptoms while they are experiencing them. As much as possible, support the person with cancer in ways that respect their needs and wishes. Share tasks with other family members and set up outside help as needed.
Looking After Overall Well-Being
Good everyday “wellness” for a person with HER2-positive stomach cancer and who is undergoing treatment for this disease, in addition to a good diet and physical activity, is dealing with the symptoms of the disease, dealing with emotions, dealing with relationships and seeking help when needed.
Medical Disclaimer
This article has been written for general information only. Patients and their families should seek advice from their oncologist treatment and/or their multidisciplinary cancer care team before any consideration of diet or exercise is changed or increased prior to any changes to their medication regime. All symptoms, whether new or worsening, should be reviewed by the patient’s medical team.
