A Shocking Diagnosis
- Alan Fraser, 39, was vacationing on his honeymoon in Las Vegas and Mexico this summer when he started feeling pain, something he and his wife suspected to be a hernia.
- Weeks later, the dad of two from Glasgow, Scotland, received a shocking cancer diagnosis of a tumor in his stomach.
- It's important to seek out a professional opinion when experiencing health issues. Lead each doctor appointment with a plan and commit to doing research prior to your visit. Be "pushy" if needed, and keep pressing for answers until you get them.
- Stomach cancer typically affects older people, with the average age of diagnosis being 68. Nearly 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older. However, it can occur in younger people like Alan. Knowing your family history is important, and be sure to see a doctor if you have any lingering pains that don't seem to be from a common condition.
Alan Fraser was vacationing with his 33-year-old wife in Las Vegas and Mexico in July to celebrate their 2021 marriage when he started feeling pain, something he and his wife suspected to be a hernia.
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“He was rushed in for two major surgeries. He was in intensive care, fighting for his life. He pulled through that. The doctor didn't even think he was going to make it off the operating table,” Myra added.
Following the operation, Alan was then placed in an induced coma for five days. Afterward, he was treated at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) until he passed away on October 3, 2022.
Myra, 33, said Alan’s death at the age of 39 “doesn't seem real,” noting “it feels like he could just walk in the door.”
Myra and Alan, who had been together for nine years, have a seven-year-old daughter together. Alan also has a 15-year-old son named Corey.
“He was a great dad. The kids are struggling. Obviously, everyone is. It doesn't feel real for us,” Myra said about her husband, who is also survived by his three sisters.
She concluded, “Alan was like the glue of the family. They just lost their mom Karen a year ago to pancreatic cancer. She was only 53, so young as well.”
Understanding Stomach Cancer
Ever since Myra’s devastating loss, the mom has been on a mission to raise awareness. The more you learn about this disease and its symptoms, the more you can stay ahead of a potential diagnosis.
Stomach cancer occurs with an abnormal growth of cells in the stomach area. Treatment options for this disease include surgery, medications, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Dealing With Grief After a Cancer Diagnosis
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) there will be approximately 26,560 new cases of stomach cancer diagnosed in the U.S. this year (16,160 in men and 10,400 in women). Stomach cancer typically affects older people, with the average age of diagnosis being 68. Nearly 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older. Symptoms of this disease may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Vomiting
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, go to the doctor and get checked.
Although stomach cancer is one of the more aggressive types and Alan’s life ended much too soon, just know that there is more hope today than ever with people surviving the disease.
Pushing for a Correct Diagnosis
We're glad that Myra urged her husband Alan to get a doctor’s advice, and not ignore his symptoms. It's important to seek out a professional opinion for health issues, and to keep pushing until you have answers and a proper diagnosis.
Our experts say that you should lead each doctor appointment with a plan and commit to doing research prior to your visit. They also say to be "pushy" if needed, and keep pressing for answers until you get them. Misdiagnoses, even with something as impactful as cancer, do occur. Keep pushing for tests and information until your concerns are addressed.
Be Pushy, Be Your Own Advocate… Don't Settle
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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