A CDH1 gene mutation runs in my family. We discovered it because my mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed she inherited from her father a CDH1 gene mutation that is associated with stomach…

Prophylactic total gastrectomy. After deciding whether to have one, you will need to decide when to have it. For many medical conditions, a sense of urgency for surgery exists because of existing symptoms. In those instances, the…

Did you know that without a stomach you cannot properly absorb naturally occurring iron?  Maintaining proper iron levels is very important. Therefore, iron supplements become a necessity to avoid becoming anemic. Iron is essential for blood production,…

Can a person live without a stomach? Not only can people live without a stomach, many people after total gastrectomy surgery are thriving without a stomach. Despite the success many people have living without a stomach, asking…

Eating without a stomach can present challenges. Due to changes in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients after surgery, this is especially true when it comes to making sure you have an adequate intake of certain vitamins…

Living without a stomach is not always easy, but it is easier than you may think. Generally, I eat whatever I want. Though I tend to focus on foods that are easy to digest, calorie dense, and…

Can you live without a stomach? Great question. People have been asking it since at least the early 1600s. Despite that being over 400 years ago, I believe it’s safe to say that total gastrectomy is a…

The CDH1 gene provides the genetic code for producing epithelial cadherin, a protein critical for cell adhesion, tumor suppression, and several other functions.  Epithelial cadherin, also called E-cadherin, is a protein found in epithelial cells. Specifically, e-cadherin…

Total gastrectomy surgery can sound like a crazy recommendation. When I first heard that I might need to have my stomach removed, my first thought was “no way.” That’s crazy. Now that I have had one, I…

I inherited my mother’s sense of humor. I inherited her love for healthcare, as we are both nurses. I inherited her love for running. She is an impressive 20-time marathon runner. I have just five under my…