Heartburn Misdiagnosis Leaves Young Mom With Terminal Stomach Cancer, Just 12 Months to Live

A 28-year-old mother from Leeds, Georgia Gardiner, is facing a devastating prognosis after her initial symptoms of nausea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite were misdiagnosed as acid reflux. Despite numerous visits to her general practitioner (GP) and local hospital, her concerns were dismissed, and she was prescribed antacids.

After months of persistent advocacy, further testing revealed the shocking truth: Georgia had linitis plastica, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer. This type of cancer, sometimes called "leather bottle stomach," causes the stomach lining to thicken, impairing its function.

By the time of her diagnosis on June 13, 2024, the cancer had already metastasized to her lymph nodes and other organs. Doctors have given her just 12 months to live, focusing treatment on managing her symptoms and improving her quality of life.

"I felt invincible. I never thought that I would develop cancer at 28. My world fell apart when I was informed that it is incurable," Georgia shared.

A Race Against Time: Making Memories

Georgia is now determined to make the most of her remaining time with her fiancé, Callum Scott, and their two-year-old son, Arlo. They have accelerated their wedding plans, prioritizing creating lasting memories.

"The thing that breaks me is how much I’ll miss in Arlo’s life. He gives my life purpose," she said, resolute in battling the cancer "in every way possible."

A Plea for Early Detection

Georgia is using her experience to urge others to trust their instincts and advocate for thorough testing when they suspect something is wrong.

"Had I been taken seriously sooner, perhaps we could have nipped it in the bud before it spread. I just want others to get it in time," she explained.

Her message is a powerful one: Don't ignore persistent symptoms, and don't hesitate to demand answers from medical professionals.

Understanding Linitis Plastica

Linitis Plastica is a rare adenocarcinoma affecting the glands of the stomach lining. It leads to stiffening and thickening of the stomach walls, often referred to as "leather bottle stomach." Due to its rapid progression and subtle early symptoms, diagnosis often occurs at an advanced stage.

Signs and Symptoms of Linitis Plastica

• Long-term stomach pain
• Early satiety after meals
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden loss of weight
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Trouble swallowing
• Black or tarry stools

Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of linitis plastica makes it difficult to cure, particularly after it has spread beyond the stomach wall.

Causes of Linitis Plastica

The exact cause of linitis plastica remains unknown. However, it is strongly associated with diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma. In some instances, genetic mutations, specifically in the CDH1 gene, have been implicated. This gene mutation is linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), significantly increasing the risk of developing linitis plastica.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori
• Dietary habits (high intake of salty, smoked, or processed foods)
• Smoking

These factors can contribute to the development and progression of this aggressive form of stomach cancer.

Why is Linitis Plastica Difficult to Cure?

• Late diagnosis: The subtle early symptoms often lead to delayed diagnosis, allowing the cancer to progress.
• Rapid spread: This cancer spreads quickly through the stomach wall and to nearby tissues.
• Surgery is often not an option: Due to the widespread nature of the disease, surgical removal is often not feasible.
• Failure to respond to chemotherapy: Linitis plastica often exhibits resistance to conventional chemotherapy treatments.