My name is Madeline Haskett, I am 74 years of age, and have been a Stomach Cancer Survivor for the past 6 years. Prior to being diagnosed I
was a normal healthy active individual.

My battle with Stomach Cancer started in the late spring of 2011 when I experienced heartburn after eating, began loosing weight, was feeling weak
and was short of breath. A trip to emergency also revealed I was bleeding internally. An emergency colonoscopy/gastroscopy was performed and I
received the shocking news that I had a 6 centimeter malignant tumor in my stomach.

My treatment consisted of 9 weeks of aggressive neo-adjuvent chemotherapy, followed by surgery in which 80% of my stomach was removed. Two weeks following the surgery, I had 9 more weeks of chemotherapy.

 

It’s amazing how the human body can adapt to severe change when necessary. With most of my stomach removed, my digestive system is functioning reasonably well, and I am able to eat pretty well anything and everything. Unfortunately though, I can not put on any body weight. In the
spring of 2011, at the onset of my ordeal, I weighed 115 to 120 lbs. When I was through with all the treatments in the spring of 2012, my body weight
had dropped to 85 lbs. which is what I maintain at present. I have been told by my oncologist that I would never regain my weight.

I am very fortunate that I had two great Doctors who looked after me, my Oncologist, Dr. Ralph Wong of CancerCare Manitoba, and my Surgeon, Dr.John Bracken of St. Boniface Surgical Associates. I am forever indebted to these two individuals who saved my life.

My journey was made a lot easier because of my wonderful husband who was my primary caregiver throughout my ordeal. Today we are enjoying a
wonderful life in our retirement. Thank you to My Gut Feeling for allowing me to tell my story and to anyone battling cancer: Think Positive and Keep the Faith.

Addendum: Madeline passed away earlier this year from complications caused by her various illnesses. We miss her dearly.