STOMACH (GASTRIC) CANCER: STEPHANIE’S STORY

Stephanie White was diagnosed with gastric cancer when she was 20 years old. At first, she thought that
the pain in her stomach was just a temporary discomfort, so she tried self-diagnosed. One day when the
pain brought into her knee, that’s when she thought that she needs to see a doctor. After several test, they
found out that she has a stage 3C adenocarcinoma. Because of this, she had to undergo chemotherapy
and gastrectomy, fortunately, the procedure was successful. Her journey inspired her to become oncology
nurse to help other people experience the same way she did.

DIAGNOSIS INTERVENTION

Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than body requirements Maintain patency of NG tube. Notify the physician
related to restriction of fluids and food if the tube becomes dislodged.

Activity intolerance related to physical weakness Consult physical and occupational therapy
as evidenced by being unable to walk without
hugging the wall

Nutrition imbalanced less than body requirements Auscultate bowel sounds, noting absence or
related to nausea and vomiting hyperactive sounds. Inflammation or irritation of
the intestine may be accompanied by intestinal
hyperactivity, diminished water absorption and
diarrhea.
LIVING WITH CROHN’S DISEASE
When Nicole was younger, she experienced constant pain in her stomach. Several tests were done to her
but still no answer why she is experiencing painful cramps. At the age of 21, she officially diagnosed with
Crohn’s disease. A 26, Nicole had laparoscopic bowel recession surgery, the doctors removed the disease
and scar tissue field portion of the small intestine. After surgery she cut off foods that can worsen the
situation. Prior to surgery, Nicole started immunosuppressant therapy. She’ll continue this treatment for the
foreseeable future.

DIAGNOSIS INTERVENTION

Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than body requirements Explore the patient’s daily nutritional intake and
related to altered absorption of nutrients secondary food habits. To create a baseline of the patients
to Crohn’s disease as evidenced by abdominal nutritional status and preference.
pain and cramping

Encourage verbalization of feelings. Provide

Anxiety related to planned surgery
feedback. Establishes a therapeutic relationship.
Assists patient and SO in identifying problems
causing stress. Patient with severe diarrhea may
hesitate to ask for help for fear of becoming a
burden to the staff.

Risk for Allergy Response related to Instruct in signs of reaction and emergency
immunomodulator and biologic/anti-TNF drugs. treatment needs.