← Return to Living life after treatment and surgery for Esophageal Cancer.

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@lionsfan

Each of us has some similarities and differences in how we respond to post surgical recovery. I am 90 days out and doing pretty darn good. The surgery, hospital stay and recovery was tough, but gets easier every day. It seems like it was a long time ago. Frankly, the tube feeding process was harder on my wife than it was for me. I didn't feel much, except some pain at the incision point. Otherwise, I was sleeping during most feedings. I transitioned to solid foods after 3 weeks and eat small meals frequently. Watch your portions, chew alot and take your time. Finish eating based on portion size, not your perceived fullness level. The brain takes 20 minutes after eating to assess your feelings of fullness. After 90 days, I'm still 20 lbs less than before surgery, but I work out 2.5 hours a day (I'm a personal trainer) and gaining muscle and strength back quickly. Eating a high percentage of protein is key. I'm currently going through immunotherapy for one year total. It's early, but no side effects so far. I had a stage 4, locally advanced diagnosis, went through chemo/radiation and esophagectomy. The cancer was removed, margins clear and my oncologist says I'm a cancer survivor. I'll wait a few years before I say that, but I am very optimistic. Take it day by day, but look forward to better days ahead. Like I said, everyone's case is different, but a positive point of helps everyone. Best of luck to you!

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Replies to "Each of us has some similarities and differences in how we respond to post surgical recovery...."

I love to hear these positive comments and outcomes!! Thank you

Lisa, I'm 1 year post op esophagogastrectomy. I then had mets to the liver and am now 2 weeks post op from liver resection. now NED (No Evidence of Disease). I am down 53 pounds (190 to 147). I have a lot of muscle mass loss and in 2 weeks I can start working out again. I want professional help for this, but don't know who to turn to. Certainly not your average gym trainer. How would I go about finding appropriate rehab in Jacksonville, Fl? I don't just want to isolate major muscle groups. I need a comprehensive program to hit all muscles including back, accessory, and core.