The Richard stomach cancer story is one of love, strength, scientific advances, and unwavering determination. Told through the voice of his wife and high school sweetheart, this journey shows the power of early biomarker testing, specialized care, and the importance of never giving up.
Married for 43 years, the couple had built a beautiful life together—raising children, traveling the country in their RV, and embracing retirement adventures. But everything changed after a routine physical revealed unexpected anemia.
As a retired nurse, his wife sensed something deeper was wrong.
“It put my little spineys up… I thought maybe an ulcer.”
But an endoscopy revealed something far more serious:
a large gastric tumor.
In that moment, life changed 110%.
➡️ Learn more about gastric cancer:
https://stocan.org/about-stomach-cancer/
Dreams Interrupted: From RV Life to Emergency Cancer Care
In 2020, during the height of COVID, they built a new home and spent three years traveling in their RV. The cancer diagnosis immediately halted those dreams.
“We unpacked the whole RV… and I sold the RV. I just felt like we needed to move on.”
Only two days after meeting with a local oncologist, they received a call: MD Anderson accepted Richard as a patient.
They needed to be there within five days.
On their drive to Houston, they literally dropped off the RV at the buyer’s home—symbolic of their rapid, unexpected transition into cancer treatment.
➡️ Why second opinions and specialized centers matter:
https://stocan.org/support/
Why They Chose MD Anderson
Richard’s wife knew that if the cancer had spread to the peritoneum, he might need HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy). MD Anderson was one of the few places offering it.
“At MD Anderson, our oncologist is just gastric cancer… the surgeon only does stomachs and pancreases.”
This level of specialization made all the difference.
While the couple lives in St. Louis, they travel back to Houston every nine weeks for scans. MD Anderson requires all scans to be performed there for accuracy and consistency.
➡️ Explore clinical trials and advanced treatments:
https://stocan.org/clinical-trials/
Biomarkers That Changed Everything
Before treatment, doctors warned:
“If you do nothing, you have six months.
If we do everything, the average is two years — unless you have biomarkers.”
Biomarkers would change the entire trajectory of Richard’s case.
His results showed:
HER2 triple-positive (very high HER2 expression)
PD-L1 positive
CLDN18.2 positive (90% expression)
These biomarkers opened the door for:
✔️ Immunotherapy
✔️ Targeted therapy
✔️ Additional combination treatments
✔️ Clinical trial opportunities
➡️ Learn about biomarkers and genetics:
https://stocan.org/genetics/
These were, as his wife said, “game changers.”
Staging Shock: A Tiny Liver Spot Changed Everything
Initially, Richard appeared to be Stage 3.
But a diagnostic laparoscopy found a small spot on his liver.
This tiny finding changed his diagnosis to Stage 4 metastatic gastric cancer.
Yet thanks to his biomarker profile, doctors moved forward with an aggressive treatment plan.
Initial Treatment Plan: A Fight With Precision
Richard completed:
13 rounds of FOLFOX
Immunotherapy
HER2-targeted therapy
CLDN18.2 therapy (trial consideration)
Continuous monitoring at MD Anderson
The result?
“Stable disease.”
Stable disease meant a crucial next step became possible:
gastrectomy (full removal of the stomach).
➡️ Learn about total gastrectomy:
https://stocan.org/surgery/
Life Without a Stomach — And Thriving
On January 8, 2024, Richard had his gastrectomy.
The team prepared him well, and their nutritionist at MD Anderson was “a blessing.”
Starting weight: 225 lbs
Expected drop: 175 lbs
Actual stabilized: 195 lbs
No feeding tube
Eating immediately after surgery
Safe, steady recovery
Today?
“If you didn’t know he didn’t have a stomach, you’d never know. He can eat two slices of pizza and a salad.”
➡️ Post-gastrectomy nutrition resources:
https://stocan.org/nutrition/
Recurrence — and a Clinical Trial That Opened New Doors
After 16 months on maintenance therapy, scans in June 2025 revealed:
A tiny recurrence on the liver.
MD Anderson offered a clinical trial with two possible treatment paths:
Radiation
Systemic chemotherapy
Richard was randomized to systemic chemo.
After three treatments?
“The spot’s gone.”
If it returns, he will be eligible for the radiation arm next.
Clinical trials continue to expand his options and prolong his life.
➡️ Explore trials and research:
https://stocan.org/clinical-trials/
Side Effects: Immunotherapy-Induced Sarcoidosis
Immunotherapy saved Richard’s life — but it wasn’t without challenges.
He developed:
Sarcoidosis (lymph nodes lighting up on scans)
Severe skin rash called lichen planus
A high-dose vitamin A regimen cleared the rash, and symptoms subsided once immunotherapy ended.
Cancer care is rarely straightforward — but Richard’s team navigated every hurdle.
Finding Hope in Every Day
Richard has already outlived the original prognosis by years.
“We feel hopeful because every day there’s new research.”
His wife shares their message:
“Don’t stop. Keep asking questions. Keep asking for testing.”
When he was diagnosed, he wondered whether he would live long enough to enjoy their new condo.
Now?
He is living fully, gratefully, and intentionally.
“Every day you’re blessed — take that blessing and live it.”
Final Thoughts
The Richard stomach cancer story shows:
The power of biomarkers
The importance of specialized cancer centers
The role of clinical trials
How nutrition and support impact recovery
Why second opinions can change outcomes
That hope is always possible — even after Stage 4 diagnosis
His journey continues to inspire patients and families everywhere.
➡️ Read more survivor stories:
https://stocan.org/survivor-stories/