From Stage 1b to Stage 4: Camilla's Story

Camilla is a young mom and wife who was originally diagnosed with stage one stomach cancer in 2018. She had a stomach cancer reoccurrence in 2022 and now has a stage four diagnosis. This is her inspiring story of perseverance.
Getting My Stomach Cancer Diagnosis
In my late 30s, I began having frequent and persistent heartburn. I was active, healthy, and careful about what I ate, so this was highly unusual. I went to my doctor multiple times, and while they prescribed various treatments and conducted multiple tests, it took 2.5 years to get an endoscopy.
After the first endoscopy, the doctor said that he had concerns about the results. He ordered a follow-up endoscopy right away. The second procedure revealed that I had stomach cancer. At the time, I was in stage one. I was 39 years old and had two young kids when I received this devastating diagnosis.
Research & Early Treatments
I spent eight years as a clinical psychologist, so I have a lot of experience reading and interpreting studies and resources from pharmaceutical companies. This skill came in handy as I dove into the research regarding stomach cancer. I wanted to understand what I was facing so that I’d have the best chance of a positive outcome.
I had surgery to remove my stomach, and because they found two positive lymph nodes, I did eight rounds of FOLFOX . Shortly after there after, I was declared NED (no evidence of disease) and felt relieved knowing that I’d beat cancer.
Ongoing Surveillance
My particular form of stomach cancer is poorly differentiated. This means that instead of having obvious tumors with precise borders, I have scattered, nebulous growths that are hard to pinpoint. The tumors are like sand scattered on the floor; they aren’t easy to contain.
Therefore, I needed to monitor my condition carefully to ensure that the cancer wouldn’t come back. We watched carefully for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is a reliable indicator of potential tumor growth. Repeatedly, my tests came back negative, which was a good sign that the cancer wasn’t coming back. However, in July 2021, we saw the first signs that new growths were forming.
February 2022 Reoccurrence
I learned that I had Krukenberg tumors on my ovaries in February of 2022. Doctors explained to me that it’s common for young women with stomach cancer to have growths that originate in the stomach and spread through the lymphatic channels to the ovaries.
I had an emergency survey to remove my ovaries and fallopian tubes. Following this, I started on FLOT - the most aggressive form of chemotherapy for stomach cancer - right away. I also began taking Opdivo for immunotherapy.
Exploring Every Option for Stomach Cancer Treatment
Thankfully, I’m healthy and strong, so I’ve felt confident about trying various treatments - even ones that oncologists are skeptical about. I pushed for a HIPEC procedure where chemotherapy drugs are injected into the abdomen, circulated for two hours, and then sucked out. I received pushback since it’s a new and somewhat controversial therapy. However, I moved forward with it since I feel I have nothing to lose at this point.
Hope for the Future
I’ve always been a fact-driven person, so I’m motivated to research stomach cancer even though I might not always like what I find. I feel hopeful that with advancements in technology and awareness, new treatments are right around the corner for this aggressive type of cancer.
Personally, I try to live my life to the fullest. People don’t need to think that someone with stomach cancer can’t live a vibrant and productive life.

[@Mustang1984]

God please let Camilla beat this cancer. She must be around for her children. AMEN

[@maureencapobianco3596]

Amen❤

[@rebeccaduboise285]

Amen❤

[@Californiadreamin715]

Amen ❤️🙏🏻✝️

[@azpersonal]

The pain on her husband’s face timer

[@Californiadreamin715]

Amen ❤🙏🏻

[@sithelondebele8399]

The sadness and helplessness in your husband's eyes is heartbreaking😔...May you find healing in Jesus Christ's name.

[@Teewriter]

😢

[@dy2203]

My mom passed away from Krukenberg tumor in her 40s. She was misdiagnosed. I was in collage and this made a tremendous impact on me and my family. We also had little financial means at that point since my parents were new immigrants. I am a gastroenterologist now and have been trying my best to prevent the similar tragedies happening to my patients, especially the higher risk population, such as Asians patients and patients with family history of upper GI tract cancer. I know what you are going through and you are strong!

[@Hallo81398]

what do you mean asian patients are a higher risk population? Due to their race? Are there races that are more prone to cancer?

[@dy2203]

@@Hallo81398 Asians, especially foreign born Asians, have elevated risks of gastric cancer due to higher prevalence of H. pylori; others factors include family history of upper GI tract cancer, dietary and environmental components. Take good care!

[@GANESHKUMAR-vo7gt]

Hi sir my brother in affected Gastric outlet obstruction which therapy is best chemotherapy or pipac

[@deirdrekiely6187]

CollEge, not collage.

[@shathaway13]

A typo? I am sure the LW knows how to spell college. Jeez!

[@lexismith8206]

Cancer is the worst thing in the entire world. So many loved ones are taken away annually. We must find a cure. I am sending all my love and prayers her way. Stay strong! ❤

[@momo43momo66]

Hello, first let me say, I love your name,Lexi!💯👍 I have been living in the U.S. for almost 30yrs and I am angered that there this one form of brain cancer called, Glioblastoma, and it claims everyone lives who is diagnosed with it, especially kids and everytime a patients story is shared, a fundraiser is almost always attached, but yet still, the two treatments that does nothing but, makes the patient stay in misery, chemotherapy and Radiation, which does, nothing, and all thats heard is that there's close break throughs, and research takes time, remember I told you, I've been here almost 30yrs, and still there's no hope, it's the same answers being given, and the two dead end treatments, that again, does nothing! The drug companies are not making the revenue from pain medicine like they use to, and doctors are also a problem between them and patients, so when it comes to a cure, Cancer is one of their biggest money makers! But what I want to know where's the research money going, that is raised for targeted types of cancer, and if a vaccine for COVID-19 was pushed out in 2yrs, where's the progress for cancer research! I thank you for reading and hearing me rant! Have a safe and blessed New year.🤗❤️

[@doglover893]

@@momo43momo66 Well said!, Love to you from the UK. xx

[@peterfriesen4885]

There is cure, they just keep it hidden from us. But study dr. Brzinski , he is treating people with some natural elements and people get cured. And there are lots of natural remedies, like cannabis oil, baking soda, dr. Budwigs Protokoll.,diets ,herbs....

[@butterflytattoo5201]

Just so we are clear. There are two cures for cancer but FDA and farmacies wouldn't earn money because one your cancer is cured. That is it. You don't go in circles and repeat the process of treatment in hopes to stay alive and waste money

[@l0okatme12344]

Found an update: A Second Chance But the fourth time was the charm. On March 6, 2023, all of the postprocedure tests came back negative. No cancer anywhere. Woo couldn’t wait to pick up the phone and share the good news. “Being able to give hope to a patient with so much to live for - I could not stop smiling during the call. Giving the gift of time is the privilege of cancer surgeons and the best part of my lifetime commitment to curing cancer.” Brennan told the world.

[@juanacastillo7154]

Amen. 🙏❣️🙏

[@melindabaer2534]

Praise the Great Lord🙏🙏

[@growingwithak3901]

Thank you Lord

[@SM-zm5hz]

All Glory be to God 🙏🏼❤️

[@mariebarnes416]

Thank God.

[@lynnvu7179]

You are a warrior!! I am a twice cancer survivor. You can do it! Sending hugs from Australia and praying hard that you get well soon.

[@wayneateya1930]

u will get Do it God does miracles

[@j3d354]

I pray to Jesus for your healing. I went thru this with my family in 1972. My mother at age 40 was diagnosed with breast cancer and given 6 months to live. She lived another 20 years. It is frightening for children. Just walk them thru their emotions every day. You look well. 🙏 🙏 🙏 😃

[@carolhutchinson7763]

I hope she becomes cancer free. Stomach cancer is more common among Asians, possibly a genetic cancer. I got cancer three times (two separate breast cancers plus a recurrence to lymph nodes) even though none in my family. Nobody is safe.

[@theresiawitt7221]

Can you read the book from jane mclelland how to starve cancer

[@flowerbombh4326]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@carolhutchinson7763]

@@theresiawitt7221: I'll check it out.

[@itsm6433]

How did your mom have that miracle? Did she go through treatment? Especially back then, there were less advancements!

[@LightPathWarrior]

I read "How To Starve Cancer" by Jane McClelland and am receiving meds through Care Oncology Clinic which promotes Jane's protocols. She went from Stage IV cancer to full remission more than once and did it by cutting off as many energy pathways as possible. I'm doing this as an addition to traditional protocols for Stage 2B breast cancer. Glad to hear you are pushing for alternative therapies. Good luck!

[@leebeex8]

My husband had this cancer. He also had his full stomach removed. Sending you lots of love & strength

[@janetpartyka5968]

Camilla, you look very healthy. Keep doing whatever it is and I will pray that you will have a full recovery.

[@wolfhound1452]

What a brave woman she is. I don’t know what else to say. She is so beautiful to me in so many ways.

[@lhyork1608]

What a beautiful family … I have a terminal disease as well…a lung disease …but I’ll never forget what a brilliant Dr told me in NYC when no one thought I would make it …he said although the prognosis wasn’t good I could tell you were a fighter and that is key…the mind has a lot of power …I can tell you are warrior and your love for your family will keep you going So happy that your husband is in the fight with you I don’t know what I would do without mine… I pray that a cancer treatment comes soon to turn this around for you and let you live a great quality of life….you deserve it !

[@KP-tn9cq]

Sending you and your family so much love, Camilla. I was diagnosed with a very rare sarcoma in 2019… it’s resistant to chemo. I know the fear and stress you’re under. But we WILL soldier on and keep on living. No exceptions. We WILL SURVIVE. 🙌🏻

[@meemeechern2828]

Don’t know what to say but I too a stage 4 patient. I put all my lot with the almighty. He has led me this far since 2014. Will be praying for you and pray that he will speak to you as he did me. Do I go to doctor? Of course and asking my loving father to give my doctors wisdom. Someday we all will finish our journey and I pray that you will be given plenty of time loving your husband and children.

[@theresa94010]

What a wonderful comment !!

[@grandmapamm]

I will be praying for you and your family. We lost out daughter in law 10 years ago to cervical cancer when she was only 30 when she was diagnosed at 28 it was terminal. I know how scary it is when you get such a devastating diagnosis at a young age and when you have kids. I hope things will turn out good for you never give up there is hope as long as your alive it is sad to know you must go through this God bless you and your family.

[@marilyntonelli8832]

Sorry for your loss was it an HPV related cervical cancer. I had CIS cervix at 30 that was 33 years ago. Now I have 1A serous endometrial cancer to delayed surgery because of low risk to stage 3A now after surgery.

[@bohochic2459]

Dear Jessica - your beautiful soul radiates. I am holding you, your husband, and your children in my thoughts, heart, and prayers. Please be gentle towards yourself, and make sure you are the highest priority on your list. Take one teeny tiny step, one hour, one day, one breath, and one moment, at a time. Trust in your inner wisdom. Sending heartfelt healing hugs, blessings and loads of love your way. 🦋👼🕯✨️🙏💙

[@Katie-sj6vp]

I too am struggling with Melanoma Cancer. Please hang in there, and although I am very sick, I will send you prayers and love from Vancouver Canada 💜

[@sunshine9122]

Katie, I send you love and prayers.🙏❤

[@lja64]

I lost my husband November 1. His path aligned with yours. Cancer is horrible and insidious. I'm so sorry - I will pray for you.

[@purplephoenixartbymicheled9298]

🌬❣I believe once we have CANCER it doesn't leave the body 😢 I'm at stage 1B Lung CANCER . That was last year when they staged me. In March i had 33 Rounds of Radiation treatment. I just had my 6 month CT and it still is showing up. I still have the same pain and now i have to wait another 6 months to get another Ct. I believe that it is giving it too much time to grow. 😢 I'm prepared for the worse!! From day one.. Then again we are REALLY NEVER PREPARED 😢 STRONGER TOGETHER 💪🤍💛💜💙💖💪 ❣😇

[@saradever8912]

You are a beautiful warrior and your husband is so awesome for his support! I’m currently fighting Stage 2b Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Next week will be round 12 of 16 of chemo. Praying for you and your family you get to a place of NED soon! 🙏♥️

[@indimist390]

Good luck my mum has the exact same diagnosis. How r u finding chemeo

[@saradever8912]

@@indimist390 Chemo is hard but will be worth it when it’s over.

[@dolcevitausa6448]

prayers, positive thoughts and healing vibes as you go through your journey

[@odahowe635]

Best wishes and hope u can get a great result soon

[@saradever8912]

@@nicoledlund1643 Thank you for your encouragement! I love and need to hear these stories to give me hope that will be me someday soon! ♥️

[@medickaisu]

Recurrence stories scare the heck out of me. I was diagnosed in March of 2020, had 4 rounds of FLOT, followed by total gastrectomy in June, and then another 4 rounds of FLOT. I was stage 1A - no lymph node involvement. So far, no evidence of disease. It scares me that you can find recurrence 4 years later, especially with TG and chemo. My tumor showed no treatment effect. Signet ring cell diffuse is such a bugger. Can't see it on scans and no real way of knowing if you are cancer free until it rears its ugly head as a stage 4. I am 65 next month, and have enjoyed robust good health until all this. I have faced some serious challenges in my life, and it was only just before diagnosis that I finally figured out enough about myself and life to stand a chance of creating something really wonderful. I am not ready to call it quits. I hate cancer so much. Prayers for you. I wish you many decades of beautiful life.

[@SM-zm5hz]

Intermittent fast and pray. Sending u love ❤

[@amandaallen9460]

She is so strong! I lost my beloved Papa to this horrible disease 13 years ago on June 22,2010...at just 70 years old..he survived barely 28 days from diagnosis to death...

[@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858]

At least he got to live till 70 and has had many years of good memories. This lady is only in her early or mid 40's it seems. 😞

[@jeddymoon3803]

may he continue resting in peace

[@amandaallen9460]

@@jeddymoon3803 thank you!! He was the only Father figure I've ever had my dad was never in my life and my dad passed away December 22nd 2020 and then my paternal grandfather died 10 months before that on February 22, 2020

[@amandaallen9460]

@@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858 Very true!! Yes he did have a good life we just didn't have a chance to talk about his and my grandma's 50th anniversary party that we celebrated on the 4th that year because he went into the hospital that day and never came home... That's what hurts the most!!

[@amandaallen9460]

@@jeddymoon3803 thank you I like to think so too

[@hanialturk5981]

My mother passed away when I was 14 years old from breast cancer. May God bring your health back and give you a long and healthy life.

[@maricarpayumo5289]

I pray for Camilla and her family. 🙏 ❤

[@jazzhamster4168]

this is crazy what is going on!! everywhere i look i see cancer, how is that possible that we have cancer eveywhere? someone is responsible for this!!!!

[@prettylittleliar7311]

Gosh I'm thinking ghetto same thing what is going on

[@nesekitty9703]

😢💯🎯

[@lyubalanina5817]

Food we eat play role and genetics

[@artcuriel8478]

My wife was fighter also. This lady is a real trooper.

[@sherrypitt9889]

Thank you for sharing story. Praying for full recovery for you.❤

[@lorib.8605]

Praying for your complete recovery and restored health.❤

[@tammyhurst6729]

That is Brennan Elliot the actor and his beautiful wife. May God keep you both in his hands.

[@Priya-rf7ov]

Praying for your recovery and long life🙏🏽

[@Anne-eb9sd]

Positivity is key you can do this , I'm sending you all my energy keep going girl

[@miola2083]

Sending prayers and love to this family. YES, keep fighting! YES, you can win this battle, do not give up.

[@yolandatubin8126]

Prayers for a speedy full recovery.

[@marythayer7632]

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

[@alechamid235]

I pray for your full recovery.

[@ninaanns7226]

Am new to your journey. U emit such positivity & strength which I’m sure is a huge factor in keeping cancer at bay. Sending love & positive vibes 💕

[@lanebashford3982]

Praying for Camilla and the Elliot family. Stay strong and keep your positive attitude. God bless.

[@thenovicemom1093]

Camilla, I am praying hard for you and your beautiful family. Never ever lose faith. God Bless! 🙏🙏🙏💗💓💗

[@jessicagreene-taub2140]

Sending love and prayers your way Camilla. You are a beautiful person and I love seeing the support and love from your husband.

[@Kk-8989]

You are a beautiful warrior. Sending prayers!

[@K9sf]

Thank you for sharing your experience. ❤

[@cathycarlin7910]

So very inspirational. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you continue your journey to BEAT this

[@arleneharley3266]

You are such an inspiration and I too hope and believe the perfect treatment is just around the corner.

[@sawdust2556]

Sending you prayers and love. What a wonderful family you are.❤

[@peterlee1839]

Praying for you, ima 2x colon cancer stage 4 survivor since 2019. You have a beautiful family. May god bless you and your family.

[@grimolarose1]

Sending all the love, luck and courage in the world to such an inspirational and courageous lady… You’ve got this💪❤️

[@hlondon2408]

I wish you every success with every treatment. Thank you so much for trying so hard to cure your own cancer and hopefully, that of others. Your spirit and determination are very encouraging. All the best to you. ❤

[@sis9622]

Prayers for you and your family!

[@canadasweetie]

What a great testimony-the fight to stay healthy. It’s amazing.

[@lindaorozco4595]

So sorry Camilla. Prayers going up for you! Brennan You are one of my favorite actors. I am sorry about your wife.

[@jenjenbee1340]

Praying for healing for you, and strength for you and your beautiful family. 🤗

[@kathleenkretch566]

You are both an inspiration to so many. Thank you from Chicago.

[@nickywilks7928]

All the best to this darling family.

[@lyndaplancarte4895]

Such a beautiful family and strong couple. Prayers for the best!!

[@kathykay6602]

You a brave, bright and fierce young lady. I wish you the best.

[@kristens5631]

My Pops passed away from stomach cancer ❤ thank you for sharing your journey and your fight!

[@karenmccabe2371]

God bless you! Thank you for sharing your story. My son was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Always looking for new updates on cancer. ❤️❤️

[@PokeMommaAndMini]

My husband was diagnosed last year with stage 3. God bless you guys

[@AMG1415]

Dr. Thomas Seyfried on Metabolic Therapy

[@SheliaRPierre]

Such a Beautiful family. Prayers for healing..and for family. Husband looks so sad, as he is being supportive.🕊🕊

[@angelabroom2861]

You are an absolute inspiration. Praying for you and your family. X

[@gj9736]

I am so sorry about your diagnosis and wish you all the best of health and remission. ❤️🙏🏻 My grandfather died from stomach cancer at age 52, I unfortunately never knew him because he died before I was born and I lost a very good fried of mine to the same cancer, she was still very young in her 40es, I was with her 1 hour before she passed away. Both my mother and grandmother died from colon cancer and my daughter in law had breast cancer 5 years ago, she is cancer free as of right now. I myself had 2 melanomas removed in 2017 and just a few weeks ago I had a pre melanoma removed. Cancer is not a respecter of age, adults and children can get it and are suffering so much with it, I pray that one day soon they will find a cure for this dreadful disease.

[@bioshawna]

I am sorry this has been such a reoccurring pattern in your life. Very unfair and we do desperately need a cure 😔

[@archangel1527]

Such a beautiful family. God bless you. I wish you all the best and continued improvement. You are so brave.

[@tonykidd7441]

Always liked brennan elliott in Hallmark movies, now I like him even more as a person. Praying for the family that it remains NED

[@Lulub475]

Beautiful family, prayers that you will beat this and live to the fullest!🙏🏼

[@nimfakeyes5284]

Beautiful family, I love the way you included the children with cutting and shaving your hair. God Bless ❤

[@dollluv]

Praying for Camilla and her family. God bless. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@brendabolin7178]

I 🙏 pray for you and your family. I have a really enlarged common bile duct. And a dialated intra hepatic duct. They are thinking I have cancer. I am encouraged by your attitude.

[@silviemarksilverstein3031]

Wishing you continued courage and strength as you continue to fight cancer.❤❤

[@user-fm8br2my4n]

Beautiful young woman and family,bless you

[@skygazer6898]

Such a beautiful family. Wishing this lovely lady all the very best

[@andreajanssen1987]

I will be praying for you!

[@veronicapalumbo4629]

be strong, you can beat it, sending love and prayers for you and your family...!!!! 💗💗💗💗

[@lornetka8973]

Sending you love and prayers. I pray for you healing. Stay strong and keep the faith ❤

[@leeauslander8305]

I am so sorry, Be strong and remember one day at a time 🙏🏼

[@tinai.848]

Why do I feel your journey's grace? ❤

[@jacalynresman8976]

Cami you’re very strong & have a very helpful loving husband & kids my husband was stage 4 he’s here and we’ll like you 🎉

[@joannereiss3997]

Praying for you and your family! God bless you 🙏🙏🙏

[@melissapoole8580]

Is there somewhere we can follow her journey? She is so inspiring and her hubby said such kind words about her spirit. I would love to see her kick this cancers butt.

[@magdabalan4000]

God is God Hi can heal her ❤

[@honeymcdonald9120]

@@magdabalan4000 bs

[@faithhilton1752]

You can beat this with your bright spirit, strength, and will power!🙂You have a great support system filled with love ❤

[@rosemariegiordano5047]

Praying for you daily and your beautiful family. Keep your positive attitude. God bless you🙏🙏♥️

[@donnadalessio3853]

What a beautiful family , I wish you healing and recovery. God Bless

[@preidie]

God bless you all. Let’s hope your here for a very long time for you and your beautiful family ❤

[@glendarobinette5360]

Praying for you & your family

[@mykndlr2517]

Sending love and prayers 🙏🏼❤

[@reiko1985]

You take it one day at a time. Cherish each day with your family. I pray for you and send you positive vibes. 🙏📿💕

[@FM-tx5es]

As a caregiver, I find myself wandering through life whenever God finds it necessary to take my deeply adored wife. Until then, I am completely committed to the cause and with do everything in my power to make her life as fulfilling as possible. She’s a warrior and I know will fight with every ounce of her being. Cheers to many more years of the fight!

[@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858]

A caregiver can only do so much, you are very strong to be doing this for them. Bless you.

[@kevinkenny1974]

Sending much love and prayers to you camilla and your husband and children ❤❤

[@user-xh1rc2ng5r]

Praying for a miracle, healing & comfort! God works miracles. 🙏🙏🙏

[@laffertyslady]

Praying for you Camila and your family. God Bless you all. 🤗🙏💕

[@Texastines]

I am hopeful that, “something is right around the corner,” too. 🙏🏻

[@christinesteigerwald567]

Prayers 🙏 for you and your family.. I wish you only the best results..

[@doreenseablom9090]

Praying for You and your Family🙏🙏🙏

[@monicat9952]

What a beautiful family! May god guide you and blessed you . Give u the strength and courage to over this !!!❤️🙏

[@Macy-hg2or]

Beautiful family. Im sorry ugly cancer found you. I too was diagnosed with Infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Stage 1. I know we may be blessed with a remission but cancer tends to return. I wish you the best ❤

[@henkpoog1264]

I wish you all the best ,and may God protect you ! God bless you and your loved ones ! Stay strong and fight the fight of your life !! I pray for you ! Greetings from Lillian the Netherlands 🌹👐

[@MrsSherrymcm]

God bless you & your family.

[@parler8698]

She's an inspiration.

[@dolcevitausa6448]

Prayers, healing vibes and positive thoughts to you...

[@tracyferreira5496]

Such a brave and strong loving family,❤❤❤❤

[@crazybunimama]

Praying for healing, may our lord be with you🙏♥️

[@rarepearl4160]

Praying for you 🙏❤️❤️❤️