The Lisa Tom stomach cancer journey begins with what looked like everyday symptoms — heartburn, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness. As someone who ran regularly and was training for a marathon, Lisa thought these sensations were related to her high-protein recovery drinks or changes to her running routine.
But what started as mild discomfort quickly escalated into a life-changing diagnosis.
When Heartburn Turned Into Something More Serious
Running five days a week, Lisa pushed her body hard. When she visited her primary care provider about the heartburn and indigestion, the initial suggestion was simple:
“Maybe it’s the protein causing that feeling. Try cutting back.”
But even after reducing her recovery drinks, the symptoms persisted — and new ones emerged.
She began experiencing difficulty swallowing and an unusual sense of fullness.
➡️ Learn more about stomach cancer signs and symptoms:
https://stocan.org/signs-symptoms/
When she returned for follow-up, the doctor noticed weight loss and decided it was time for further evaluation. Since Lisa was due for a colonoscopy, her doctor ordered both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy.
It was during the endoscopy that she first heard the word mass.
The Shock of Diagnosis
Lisa had no family history of any type of cancer.
So when she woke up from the endoscopy and was told she needed an MRI immediately, she wondered:
“Do you have the right patient?”
The MRI results revealed abnormalities, requiring a PET scan and an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to determine the staging. The EUS confirmed that the primary tumor was endoluminal adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells, originating in the stomach.
Two days later, she underwent exploratory surgery and port placement.
That was when her family received the news:
“It’s Stage 4 metastatic stomach cancer.”
➡️ Understanding stomach cancer:
https://stocan.org/about-stomach-cancer/
Choosing a Mental Strategy: “Filter the Information for Me”
Faced with overwhelming information, Lisa chose a mental approach that would help her stay strong:
“I wasn’t googling anything. I didn’t want to know. Tell me where to show up.”
Seeing others in the infusion room — some strong, some frail — was jarring.
But she made it through her first day and immediately felt the need to move.
That’s when she discovered walking’s healing power.
Staying Active Through Treatment
Movement became Lisa’s anchor.
“That walk after treatment really helped lift some of the fatigue.”
Her treatment journey included:
FOLFOX chemotherapy
Immunotherapy, based on biomarker testing
More than 32 IV chemo rounds
Six cycles of oral chemotherapy pills
Transition to FOLFIRI with immunotherapy
Despite aggressive treatment, Lisa remained remarkably active.
“I walk every morning… three to four miles, even during chemo weeks.”
Her running group — a supportive circle of women — became part of her emotional and physical therapy.
On her off weeks, she still ran:
5 miles on Tuesdays
5 miles on Thursdays
6–8 miles on Saturdays
➡️ Support groups and programs:
https://stocan.org/support/
Running wasn’t just exercise. It was oxygen, clarity, strength, and normalcy.
Navigating the Emotional Overload
The early months were the hardest.
“It’s like information overload… each person has to determine how much they can handle.”
Lisa was grateful that her care team and family filtered the information for her.
Knowing she was Stage 4 was enough — the rest was too burdensome at the time.
That mental boundary is what allowed her to stay grounded:
“That’s how I was able to mentally focus.”
A Mission to Raise Awareness
Lisa sees her journey as a calling.
“Nobody in my family even knew stomach cancer existed.”
She has listened to countless survivor stories from others diagnosed under age 50 — many with symptoms dismissed as reflux, stress, or diet.
Her message to healthcare providers is clear:
“Do not rule out stomach cancer. If heartburn or indigestion isn’t going away — explore it.”
➡️ Understanding early warning signs:
https://stocan.org/signs-symptoms/
And her message to the public:
“Be proactive, not reactive.”
She now uses her energy, time, and voice to help others find answers sooner.
Hope for the Time Ahead
Despite being diagnosed with Stage 4 disease, Lisa focuses on maintaining a high quality of life.
“I’m hopeful for years. I’m praying for years.”
She plans to use that time intentionally, continuing to raise awareness and support other patients who feel lost, afraid, or overlooked.
➡️ Explore clinical trials and new treatment options:
https://stocan.org/clinical-trials/
Her courage, resilience, movement, and mindset shine through every step she takes — literally and figuratively.
Final Thoughts
The Lisa Tom stomach cancer story is one of determination, faith, physical endurance, and advocacy.
Lisa continues to defy expectations — running, walking, laughing, and living fully even while undergoing continuous treatment.
Her story reminds us:
Symptoms should never be ignored
Early detection saves lives
Movement is medicine
Support is essential
Hope is powerful