In the prime of her life, at an age when many are building careers and families, Alyssa Burks faced an unexpected and harrowing challenge. At just 32, the Houston mother-of-one began to feel the weight of an inexplicable fatigue that seemed to eclipse her once vibrant lifestyle. Her social life dwindled as she grappled with a tiredness that doctors initially dismissed as a mere symptom of ageing. But as time passed, the truth emerged in a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 stomach cancer.
Alyssa’s journey is a stark reminder of the importance of advocating for one’s health, especially when symptoms are brushed aside. Her story, which has since gone viral, underscores the critical need for awareness of the signs of stomach cancer, a disease that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
The telltale warning sign that Alyssa experienced was difficulty swallowing, coupled with persistent heartburn. Despite these classic red flags, her concerns were met with advice to simply avoid acidic foods. It was only after her condition worsened, leading to significant weight loss and an inability to swallow even water, that the medical community took notice.
By the time Alyssa was referred to a specialist gastroenterologist, two and a half years had elapsed since her initial symptoms. A series of tests, including stool samples, an endoscopy, a CT scan, and a colonoscopy, revealed inflammation at the junction of her oesophagus and stomach. A biopsy confirmed the grim reality: stomach cancer, likely caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to stomach ulcers.
Initially, there was hope that early detection and treatment, including surgery to remove her stomach and chemotherapy, might offer a path to recovery. However, further biopsies painted a bleaker picture, showing that the cancer had spread to her peritoneum and lymph nodes. The aggressive nature of her cancer became evident when 27 out of 53 lymph nodes removed during surgery tested positive for cancer.
Alyssa’s battle is far from over. She continues to undergo chemotherapy every two weeks, a regimen that leaves her body exhausted and unable to absorb essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron. The removal of her ovaries has thrust her into early menopause, adding hormonal challenges to her already strenuous fight.
Through it all, Alyssa remains determined. Her motivation is her son, for whom she dreams of being present for all of life’s milestones. She shares her story on social media, not only to document her own struggle but to raise awareness about the importance of recognising and acting upon the symptoms of stomach cancer.
Stomach cancer, while not as prevalent as other forms, still accounts for a significant number of cases annually, with around 6,600 new diagnoses in the UK and 26,500 in the US. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion, and fatigue should not be ignored. Early detection is crucial, as survival rates for stage 4 stomach cancer are low, with only about 20% of patients in the UK surviving one year or more post-diagnosis.
Alyssa’s experience is a powerful call to action for all of us. It’s a reminder to listen to our bodies, to persist when we feel something is amiss, and to seek second opinions when necessary. Her courage in the face of adversity is an inspiration, and her message is clear: awareness and advocacy can save lives.
Have you or someone you know had a health experience that prompted you to take action? How did you navigate the healthcare system to get the care needed? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below—your insights could help others along the way.
Also read: Kyle Sandilands shares shocking health confession—his advice could save your life!
