‘Gift of Peace’ Actor Brennan Elliott Says Wife Camilla Has a ‘Fighting Spirit’ As She Battles Advanced Stomach Cancer

The Power of Support Through Stomach Cancer

• Canadian actor Brennan Elliott has offered nothing but support and praise for his beloved wife Camilla Row, and mother of his two children, as she continues on her battle with stage four gastric/stomach cancer. Elliot commemorated their wedding anniversary this week and dubbed Row a “rockstar warrior” who has a ‘fighting spirit’ through adversity.
• Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, arises from the cells lining the stomach, an organ integral to the digestive process. This type of cancer is characterized by its aggressive nature and a tendency to be diagnosed in advanced stages, which poses treatment challenges.
• Because stomach cancer is often diagnosed in later stages, it is important to be aware of symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn, appetite changes, weight loss, abdominal pain and discomfort, nausea and early satiety, swelling in the abdomen, weakness, and fatigue.
• Assuming the role of a cancer caregiver, like Brennan Elliot as, when a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend is diagnosed with cancer comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The first thing to understand is that there is no shame is asking for help. This can be an overwhelming time for both patients and their caregivers, too.
• SurvivorNet put together a helpful guide for cancer caregivers that you can check out HERE .

Canadian actor Brennan Elliott, 49, best known for his role as Dr. Nick Biancavilla in the drama series "Strong Medicine," is celebrating him and his wife Camilla Row's 13th wedding anniversary with sweet words and ongoing support amid her metastatic gastric/stomach cancer battle. Row was previously diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer called poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma ate age 39 in 2018. Now, six years later, after "beating" the disease and being told she has cancer recurrence, she continues to push through adversity and has finished up her most recent chemo infusion treatment. What You Need to Know About Gastric Cancer On September 10th, Elliot's wrote in his wedding anniversary post , alongside a heartwarming photo of him and his wife, "13 years ago today this hottie @camilla_row said yes to this small town Irish Canadian artist  who she always referred to as her 'HOT MESS' - kidding aside my love! "THANKYOU for saying 'yes' and allowing me to go on this ride called life with you! I know there has been many ups and downs but there is no one I’d rather be going through it all then YOU! U r my rockstar warrior queen and everything we have been through you have dealt with, with grace, love and a fighting spirit that inspires me every day!" RELATED: Here Are Top Tips for Cancer Caregivers to Help Them Through the Process He continued, "All the attributes you possess that I fell in love with many many years ago get deeper every day and is the light in our times of darkness. As our fight continues I am truly blessed to be given the responsibilities of being by your side thru it all. #happyanniversary babe and to many many more! "Now finish up chemo today my warrior queen and get home soon so I can give u a big hug and [kiss]." According to Heavy , Elliot's wife's chemo infusion treatment concluded on their 13th wedding anniversary this week. She reportedly wrote in her anniversary post, shared on her private Instagram account, “We have had amazing years & impossibly hard years, but there is no one I would rather have by my side than you. "You make me feel so adored and safe, I am truly so grateful. Thank you for loving me all these years and I pray we have many many more years to continue on this adventure. I love you so much."

In an earlier post , from two years ago, Elliot share a photo of his wife's shaved head, commending her for her strength as she continues on her metastatic cancer journey. He wrote, "Those closest to me know that my Wife Cami has had several bouts with cancer in the past but now she embarks on a new journey as a Stage IV metastatic gastric cancer patient. There is no one I consider braver, stronger, more Fearless even when you’re Faced with a sinister opponent who never plays fair. "Even after countless surgeries and chemotherapy rounds, She forges ahead into spring taking on the one of the most aggressive types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. As you all know me to be a very private person, this feels scary and exposing but If there is any hope that her story can help Even one person, then her cancer Experience Was Not Done in vain. Please keep @Camilla_row in your prayers." That same year, Row spoke with the Stomach Cancer Awareness Network further sharing the immense amount of optimism she has throughout her cancer fight. In an effort to help others see the disease she is battling isn't as frightening as it may seem, she told the network, "I know in my heart of hearts, I will beat this and I want others to know that stage 4 doesn’t have to be so terrifying (even though I fully acknowledge the fear). One of the hardest parts for me was hearing that number '4' over and over again. But I will not let define me as a person. "Initially, I was secretive of my stage 4 status because I didn't want people to look at me as a sickly cancer patient, but now I feel like I am on a mission to spread awareness and hopefully be an example of a stage 4 patient who is thriving." She insists she will "beat" the disease and will "prove it"—an admirable quality in which a multitude of cancer warriors can look up to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izD_BvbJi3Y

Camilla Row's Ongoing Cancer Journey

Camilla Row was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer called poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma when she was 39 years old, after experiencing constant heartburn, something she thought could be a symptom of a heart attack. Recounting the symptoms she experienced to City of Hope , Row said, “The pain [heartburn] was burning, stabbing, and most nights I was in tears. I would wonder if I was having a heart attack.” In a more recent interview with TODAY.com , Row said she experienced a heartburn-like pain for more than two years and made changes in her diet, even slept on an incline pillow, but nothing seemed to work. Instead, her gastroenterologists told her to take medicine to minimize stomach acid. But when the pain worsened and Row feared she could be having a heart attack, she recalled begging her doctor for help. It was then her doctor scheduled her to have an endoscopy, which revealed she had stomach cancer, something she admitted she had no knowledge of. Row’s symptoms had begun in 2015, but she didn’t receive her diagnosis until 2018. Her diagnosis came as a shock as she considered herself healthy and has no family history of the disease. Following her stage one diagnosis, she had her whole stomach and 47 lymph nodes surgically removed. She also underwent chemo and had her esophagus connected to her small intestine.

Expert Gastric/Stomach Cancer Resources

• Floss Today to Slash Your Chances of Stomach and Esophageal Cancer Tomorrow
• New Hope For Stomach Cancer: Immunotherapy Drug Opdivo Now Approved As a First Treatment
• Remembering Legendary Western Actor John Wayne, Who Passed of Stomach Cancer Over 40 Years Ago: The Importance of Clinical Trials
• 5 Life Lessons We Learned From Mister Rogers, Who Died 18 Years Ago From Stomach Cancer

After that, she was monitored every six months with CT scans and blood tests to check for cancer recurrence. In 2021, a blood test that checks for circulating tumor DNA turned out positive and tumors were eventually found on her ovaries, which were due to her gastric cancer. She was then diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Row, who has remained positive throughout her cancer journey and has underdone seven heated chemo therapies, as well as traditional chemo, told TODAY.com, “I’ve actually just surpassed my expiration date because when I was first diagnosed (with stage 4 cancer), the longest prognosis I got was 24 months. So to be here and say I’m still here, I’m still doing extremely well.” However, Row took to her private Instagram a few months ago, as per Heavy , to reveal cancer was once again found in her body after having her quarterly laparoscopic check of her peritoneum, something she reportedly says her husband has dubbed “looking under the hood.” She wrote, in a March 27, 2024, post, “Two out of five samples came back positive for cancer. I know now my cancer is trying to comeback in the most ferocious and sneaky way. Just to remind you all, I had an ALL CLEAR Pet-Ct scan not even a month ago.” The update came just months after she underwent surgery and 10 rounds of a new chemotherapy drug. Then in the midst of the summer, according to Heavy, Row was reportedly recovering from a “mass excision” surgery [the removal of tissue, tumors, or cancerous growth], which included the removal of her belly button, as she continues her battle with metastatic (stage four) stomach cancer. Heavy reported that Row took to her Instagram account on June 7 to share a photo of herself resting in a hospital bed in Los Angeles, with her supportive husband by her side. Elliott confirmed the report by posting a link to Heavy’s article to his Instagram story a day later. “Brennan has been pulling double duty, prepping for a movie & coming to see me daily, making the best of a makeshift office in my hospital room as I nap,” Row reportedly wrote in her post. Now, as Row has finished up her most recent chemo infusion treatment, it's unclear what her next steps will be in her cancer battle, but one thing is for sure, her optimism and hope persists.

Understanding Gastric/Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, arises from the cells lining the stomach, an organ integral to the digestive process. This type of cancer is characterized by its aggressive nature and a tendency to be diagnosed in advanced stages, which poses significant treatment challenges. The progression of stomach cancer is often silent and insidious, with early symptoms that are easily overlooked or mistaken for common digestive complaints. This stealthy advance is a primary reason why gastric cancer often evades early detection. According to the World Health Organization, gastric cancer occupies is the fifth most common cancer across the globe. More alarmingly, it is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. These statistics underscore the global impact of gastric cancer and the critical need for increased awareness, early detection, and more effective therapeutic strategies. The journey from a healthy stomach lining to cancerous growth is not fully understood, but it is known to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers, is a known risk factor, as are diets high in smoked and salted foods and low in fresh fruits and vegetables. Other contributing factors may include chronic gastritis, smoking, and certain genetic predispositions.

Guidance for Cancer Caregivers

Assuming the role of a cancer caregiver when a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend is diagnosed with cancer comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The first thing to understand is that there is no shame is asking for help. This can be an overwhelming time for both patients and their caregivers, too. Julie Bulger gives some tips on how caregivers can care for themselves. Through interviews with expert oncologists, social workers, patients advocates, and more, we’ve come up with a checklist of helpful steps cancer caregivers can take throughout the journey. Cancer caregivers may:

• Attend doctor visits with the patient
• Help the patient take notes/ask questions
• Provide transportation to and from treatment
• Accompany the patient during treatment
• Help keep track of side effects
• Link up with a social worker/patient navigator
• Help with day-to-day activities
• Provide emotional support

“I encourage caregivers to come in to visits with my patients, because in that way, the caregiver is also listening to the recommendations — what should be done in between these visits, any changes in treatment plans, any toxicities [side effects] that we need to look out for, changes in dietary habits, exercise, etc.,” Dr. Jayanthi Lea , gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet. “The work is extremely hard.” Dr. Jayanthi Lea, gynecologic oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, shares some guidance for new cancer caregivers Caregivers should be willing to share what they’ve learned while caring for their loved one day to day, letting the doctor know about any side effects or other problems that arise. They also need to be willing to take a backseat sometimes. “Step back a little bit and let the patient speak for themselves. Let them express what they are feeling,” Dr. Lea added to SurvivorNet. “That is so important for the patient’s overall quality of life and wellbeing.”

Power of Support

If you were recently diagnosed with cancer, you likely know about the wide range of emotions that news can bring. This is one of the most challenging phases of the cancer journey to overcome. However, a team of supporters can be most useful during these early stages. Your supporters can be close family members and friends or people from outside your inner circle. WATCH: Sharing details about your cancer diagnosis. “Some people don’t need to go outside their family and friends circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik tells SurvivorNet. “But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it is important to reach out to a mental health professional,” she added. One benefit of having supporters is that they can help alleviate stress and anxiety following your diagnosis and advocate for you during treatment. Sometimes, it is not always easy to share news you have cancer, even among loved ones. In such instances, you can seek a trained professional to center your support group around. Mental health professionals can help fill this space because many are trained to help you navigate your cancer treatment. “Make sure that the mental health professional that you work with is reaching out with your consent to the rest of your team, to the oncologist, to the surgeon, it can also be helpful to reach out to family, friends, and any other caretakers that may be involved in the person’s treatment,” Dr. Plutchik said. Dr. Plutchki recommends cancer patients consider the following three steps to get the help they need after a diagnosis:

• Step #1: Seek additional support if you need it (this could mean speaking to a mental health professional or seeking out a support group)
• Step #2: Look for a mental health professional with experience helping people in your situation.
• Step #3: Keep your care team connected. This may include your friends and loved ones, your therapist, and the doctors who are treating your cancer.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff