When faced with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, as cancer often becomes an all-consuming presence. For Carol Beth Anderson and her husband Jason, this was their reality when Jason received a stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis in May 2023. However, with resilience, research, and unwavering love, Carol Beth and Jason have found ways to create hope, prioritize precious memories, and live each day with purpose.
A Surprising Diagnosis and the Start of Treatment
Jason’s initial symptoms were subtle—feeling full quickly and subsequent weight loss. This small but persistent change prompted an endoscopy that led to the diagnosis. From the outset, Carol Beth and Jason opted for thorough biomarker and genetic testing, uncovering that Jason’s cancer had a PD-L1 biomarker, making him eligible for immunotherapy. They also discovered a genetic mutation in the CDH1 gene, indicating hereditary traits they hadn’t known existed, especially since Jason’s family had no history of stomach cancer.
Starting treatment in June 2023, Jason began a combination therapy known as FOLFOX, which included chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He continued on this regimen for a year until recent scans indicated further cancer progression. Now on a second line of treatment, Jason’s journey has evolved, and throughout it all, Carol Beth has been a pillar, serving as his caregiver and advocate, a vital presence that brings focus, strength, and hope to their path.
Learn more about stomach cancer diagnosis and biomarkers through resources like the American Cancer Society and Hope for Stomach Cancer.
The Role of a Caregiver: An Anchor in the Storm
For Carol Beth, caregiving is essential. “If you’re diagnosed with cancer, you need to have one person in your life who is committed to being by your side and being your advocate,” she emphasizes. Her role means taking detailed notes, asking vital questions, and being a vigilant supporter. While doctors provide medical expertise, Carol Beth’s advocacy ensures Jason’s well-being is prioritized, and no detail is overlooked.
Being a caregiver has also become a coping mechanism and a means to create structure amid chaos. As Carol Beth puts it, “Caregivers fill a role that nobody else can fill.” Her dedication grounds Jason’s journey, giving them both a sense of purpose and helping them weather the many challenges of a serious illness.
For insights on the caregiver role and support tips, consider visiting the National Cancer Institute’s Caregiver Support page or Hope for Stomach Cancer’s resource section.
Holding Onto Hope: Prioritizing Time and Family
Living with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis has prompted Carol Beth and Jason to redefine hope. Instead of focusing solely on the possibility of a cure, they’ve chosen to live fully in the present. They prioritize spending quality time together as a family, with trips that provide both a break from treatments and a way to savor life’s moments.
As Carol Beth says, “Hope isn’t just about hanging onto the idea that this medicine is going to cure me. Sometimes the medicine doesn’t cure us. Hope is about saying life is worthwhile as long as we have it.” By releasing attachment to an endpoint, they embrace each day as an opportunity for meaning and memory-making.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Through their journey, Carol Beth and Jason show us that even with life’s uncertainties, it’s possible to find purpose, prioritize relationships, and celebrate each day. For them, hope means investing in family, love, and happiness, regardless of the final outcome. Their story highlights that life isn’t measured by how long we live but by the quality of the time shared with loved ones. In the face of illness, they are building a legacy of resilience, love, and hope—one day at a time.