This Cancer Thing Sucks: Happy Birthday Rajen

Happy Birthday Rajen. Miss you each and every day.

Background

My name is Lorita and within the last few years, I’ve lost two close family members to stomach cancer. In 2008, I lost my cousin Rajen at age 37. In January 2012, I lost my other cousin, Sandra (Rajen’s younger sister) at age 39. Rajen and Sandra were like an older brother and sister to me and growing up, we did everything together. They taught me so much and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for their love, support and influence.

In Spring 2011, it was discovered that my family carried hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). Individuals who inherit the genetic mutation for HDGC are at a high risk (around 60-80%) for developing gastric cancer in their lifetime. The majority of cases occur before the tender age of 40. Four years ago, when Rajen died, we never knew about any of this. It was my cousin, Sandra who became proactive in stomach cancer awareness and research. I followed her lead without hesitation. She yearned to find answers after she herself was diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2011 and did the ultimate action to fight. She removed her entire stomach to prevent the cancer from spreading. Unfortunately, this drastic action was not enough and the cancer metastasized in other parts of her body Christmas 2011. We lost her a few weeks later, January 13, 2012.

Back in the 90s, I also lost my aunt (my mom's sister) of stomach cancer. This was before we knew anything about HDGC.

More recently (May 2012) and with a heavy heart, my mom (age 59) has been diagnosed with stage iv diffuse gastric cancer as well. I am writing this blog to document the journey before me. As hard as it will be to write, I think it is important to share this experience and promote awareness of HDGC. (Update: Mom passed Feb. 2013)

This Cancer Thing Sucks

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Happy Birthday Rajen

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