Misdiagnosed Heartburn Leaves Young Mom with Terminal Stomach Cancer, 12 Months to Live

Georgia Gardiner, a 28-year-old mother from Leeds, UK, initially dismissed her persistent nausea and stomach cramps as mere heartburn. However, after months of misdiagnosis and declining health, she received the devastating news: she has a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer called linitis plastica, with a prognosis of just 12 months to live.

Source: LADbible

Dismissed Symptoms, Delayed Diagnosis

Last summer, Gardiner began experiencing debilitating symptoms, including constant nausea, severe stomach cramps, and a complete loss of appetite. Doctors attributed her condition to acid reflux and prescribed antacids. Despite making numerous visits to her general practitioner and local hospital, her concerns were repeatedly downplayed. Doctors suggested it was likely just indigestion or heartburn.

As her condition worsened, Gardiner lost a significant amount of weight and struggled to keep food down. After months of persistent advocacy, she was finally referred for specialized testing.

A Devastating Discovery: Linitis Plastica

An endoscopy revealed the heartbreaking truth: Gardiner had linitis plastica, also known as "leather bottle stomach." This rare stomach cancer causes the stomach lining to thicken, impairing its ability to function properly.

Source: LADbible

By the time of her diagnosis on June 13, 2024, the cancer had already metastasized to her lymph nodes and other organs. Doctors delivered the grim prognosis: terminal illness with approximately 12 months to live, focusing treatment on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

"I felt invincible. I never thought that I would develop cancer at 28. My world fell apart when I was informed that it is incurable," Gardiner shared.

Living Each Day to the Fullest

Gardiner is now dedicated to cherishing her remaining time with her fiancé, Callum Scott, and their two-year-old son, Arlo. The couple has accelerated their wedding plans to create lasting memories.

"The thing that breaks me is how much I’ll miss in Arlo’s life. He gives my life purpose," she expressed. Despite the challenges, she remains resolute in her fight against cancer for her son's sake.

Source: LADbible

Gardiner urges others to be proactive about their health: "Had I been taken seriously sooner, perhaps we could have nipped it in the bud before it spread. I just want others to get it in time." Her message is clear: listen to your body, and advocate for yourself when seeking medical care.

Source: LADbible

Understanding Linitis Plastica

Linitis plastica is a rare type of adenocarcinoma affecting the glands of the stomach lining. It causes the stomach walls to stiffen and thicken, often referred to as "leather bottle stomach." Due to its rapid progression and subtle early symptoms, it is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Symptoms of Linitis Plastica:

• Long-term stomach pain
• Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden weight loss
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Black or tarry stools

Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of linitis plastica makes it difficult to treat, particularly after it has spread beyond the stomach wall.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The exact cause of linitis plastica remains unknown. However, it is strongly associated with diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma. Contributing factors may include:

• Genetic mutations, especially in the CDH1 gene (linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer).
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A common bacterium that can cause chronic inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Dietary habits: High consumption of salty, smoked, or processed foods.
• Smoking: A known risk factor for various gastric cancers.

Why is Linitis Plastica Difficult to Cure?

• Late Diagnosis: Initial symptoms are often subtle, leading to diagnosis at advanced stages.
• Rapid Spread: The cancer spreads quickly through the stomach wall and to nearby tissues.
• Limited Surgical Options: The widespread nature of the cancer often makes complete surgical removal impossible.
• Chemotherapy Resistance: Linitis plastica tends to be resistant to conventional chemotherapy, limiting treatment effectiveness.