Meals Help Merrissere Focus on Recovery
In February 2023, Merrissere, a 74-year-old recent retiree with a love for travel, received a life-altering diagnosis: stage 3 gastric cancer. It came as a shock, as she had no symptoms aside from some persistent acid reflux. “I had no idea I had cancer,” Merrissere shared. “I was enjoying life, went on a cruise with friends, and then I found out I had a mass in my stomach. I was in disbelief,” she said.
Living with Type 2 diabetes, Merrissere was accustomed to staying on top of her health. However, the cancer diagnosis brought challenges she wasn’t prepared for during her first rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. The treatments sapped her energy. There were days she could barely get off the couch, let alone stand in the kitchen to cook. She lost 10 pounds in one week.
Merrissere’s treatment also included significant surgery to remove her tumor. “They took 60 percent of my stomach, and I had problems digesting food,” she explained. She tried store-bought microwaveable meals, but they upset her stomach.
That’s when her health care team at Kaiser Permanente referred her to Project Angel Heart’s meal program. “I didn’t know what ‘medically tailored meals’ meant. I learned it means these meals are made just for me and where I am in my life right now,” she said touching her heart with a smile.
Merrissere also worked with Project Angel Heart’s dietitian, who helped her learn what foods will best support her when she’s experiencing specific symptoms. She explained, “When I’m low and my stomach is bothering me, I find a meal with couscous and have that.” She says that getting seven meals at a time gives her flexibility to find what will work for her, whatever she happens to be experiencing.
Since receiving meals from Project Angel Heart, Merrissere is making big strides in her health journey. Her A1C, a test showing blood sugar, improved significantly, going from nearly 8 to 6.5, and the nutritious meals have also helped her regain energy. Her favorite meals are the ones with fish, which provide protein for a boost of energy, are easy on her stomach, and are “just delicious.”
Now in remission for four months, Merrissere says her journey with gastric cancer isn’t completely over, but she is thankful for the ongoing support from Project Angel Heart. The meals have allowed her to focus on recovery. “I feel blessed to be a part of this program,” she said.
She’s also looking ahead. “I want to travel again. And if I get my strength back, I’d like to deliver Project Angel Heart meals,” she adds.