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Jamaal Millisock has overcome many challenges in his life. In 2021, he faced one of the biggest challenges of all – a stomach cancer diagnosis that he had to fight to receive after visiting multiple doctors and specialists. He had a total gastrectomy, and has been free of cancer for the last few months. This is his story of hope. 

stomach-cancerIn 2021, I was struggling with some general discomfort. I was no stranger to challenges – my parents raised me as a military brat, and I discovered that my father wasn’t my biological parent. Later on, I had to leave the military before deploying due to some health problems. After that, I injured my back while working at a youth detention center, and endured six surgeries to get back on track. 

I first noticed that something was off while traveling to Florida with my fiance, Melissa, toward the end of COVID. I used the bathroom shortly after our flight landed, and saw black stool. We searched Google, and every result seemed to point to cancer. This caused me to reflect on my recent past. I have two kids, and I frequently work around the house. I’d clean, cook meals, and help them however I could. But, I was always so tired, and even the simplest things drained me. I had a gut feeling that something was not right with my body. 

Seeking Answers 

When I got home, I went to the hospital. They diagnosed me with a bleeding ulcer. I requested an endoscopy and a colonoscopy, but they refused. We ran a few other tests, which showed I was positive for H.pylori. They sent me home, but I still wasn’t feeling well. So, I tried to go to another hospital nearby. That hospital turned me away since they didn’t want to overstep boundaries with the other providers. 

Needless to say, I was frustrated. I knew at a deep level that something was seriously wrong, but no one was willing to conduct the tests to prove it. I started a six-month treatment course for H.pylori. After that, they told me I didn’t need to come in any longer. However, I was not satisfied with the answers I’d received. I persisted, and they did nothing to help. 

stomach-cancerThe Breaking Point 

I spent a year doing things I enjoyed, like volunteering with the local fire department. One day, we went out to fight a brush fire. I went straight to the scene with a few other crew members. As we fought the fire, I felt a horrible pain in the upper part of my stomach. It was completely debilitating. I figured I was just dehydrated or tired, and hoped the pain would pass after some rest. I had to leave the house again for a firefighter meeting that night. Unfortunately, the pain flared up, and I ended up in the ER. 

Again, the hospital insisted it was H.pylori. I emphasized that we’d cleared that up, and pushed again for an endoscopy and colonoscopy. They told me I could have one…in six months! 

At this point, I was outraged. I had to explore a different avenue to get what I wanted. So, I called the scheduler at the hospital, and explained my situation. Finally, I found someone who was compassionate – they managed to squeeze me in for an emergency endoscopy that very weekend. 

Discovering My Stomach Cancer 

Sure enough, the test proved my gut feeling: I had stomach cancer. I received the news on the same day I discovered my car was missing from my driveway. At the time, I was canvassing the town in a different vehicle, searching for my stolen property. 

Mentally, I broke down in this moment. I remember crying, hitting the steering wheel, and struggling to accept the news. For years, I’d endured struggles – I was fighting my way back from disability (I’d been declared disabled by the state of Pennsylvania after my back issues), and I’d spent so much time getting fit in the gym and working on my body image. I even joined a semi-pro football team at 40 years old. Now, my future felt uncertain, and I had to make some big decisions. 

stomach-cancerGetting Treatment for Stomach Cancer

I had to revisit the hospital for another endoscopy since they needed a clear specimen. After the endoscopy, I tried calling the pathologist directly – I wanted to speak with them. The person who answered the phone said that was highly unusual, but they transferred me, and one of the pathologists picked up. They walked me through my diagnosis, and gave me a straightforward picture of what was to come. He told me: “This is an evasive cancer. Early detection is super rare, and by the time you discover it, it’s usually too late.”  After this conversation, I knew I needed the best of the best. 

I chose a renowned gastric cancer surgeon at Johns Hopkins. When we first met, he was shocked to learn that I’d just received my stomach cancer diagnosis. The notes revealed that they’d discovered the cancer a YEAR ago after one of my earlier visits. The truth was in the notes, but the hospital disregarded the facts.

This was a crushing realization, but I had to keep pushing forward. I needed four rounds of FLOT before my total gastrectomy.

The surgery went very well – they removed a bunch of lymph nodes as well as my stomach. When I woke up, the surgeon told me he spent over an hour searching every nook and cranny to make sure there was no cancer left. I felt secure knowing that I was cancer-free. 

Recovering at Home

I went home to recover and tried to adjust to my new norm. The surgery took place in July, and I returned for a follow up scan in August. Sadly, the cancer outsmarted us once again. They discovered a microscopic spot (the eye can’t see) on the bottom of the removed stomach during the scan. I was gutted by the news, and I spoke with the Oncologist at Johns Hopkins to figure out what was next. I didn’t like her answer. She essentially said that I was terminal and that there was nothing left to do. I was stage 4 and nearing the end of my road. 

I couldn’t keep fighting with an unsupportive team. So, I searched for a new doctor. I visited several places, MSK, NIC (phone),  and Fred Hutchinson in Seattle. They were skeptical about the spot I’d mentioned, and requested my pathology records for further review. At this point, we discovered that the hospital had LOST my pathology. There was nothing to reference. 

I felt like I was starting over from scratch, and I felt compelled to go to MD Anderson. I started seeing them in early 2023 for observation and early detection.  They have checked for this deadly cancer every three months, and came to the conclusion that I am NED (no evidence of disease) at the start of the new year! We didn’t ring a bell, and the doctors have all told me I’m not in the clear. They believe the stomach cancer is still there, but evading us. Either way, I take the NED at the beginning of the year and I run with it, doing as much with my kids and extended family as I can. 

Hopes + Thoughts About the Future

I imagine cancer as a coward. It attacks good people, and it often stays hidden until it’s too late. I don’t give it any respect – I wish I could see it in the flesh. 

Today, I put one foot in front of the other and do my best to stay happy. I focus on my family, and God is at the forefront of my life at all times. The people I love give me the hope and strength to keep pushing forward and fighting, even when I’m facing challenges.