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2 years post surgery
Hi. I live in New Zealand and was diagnosed with a stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus in September 22. I had intensive chemo twice which caused me to have a heart attack requiring a stent. I was 62 at the time. This was followed by a different chemo, radiation, sepsis, pericarditis, feeding tube and numerous hospital stays over the next few months. Finally surgery in March 23. This apparently went fine until I went into respiratory collapse and I had 2 months in the ICU on life support. Finally in the August with a trachea I went to rehab.
Down the track and coming up 2 years post surgery I'm working part time and life is ok. Apparently I'll never be what I was physically and health wise again. They tell me that how I was at a year post would be it. I struggle with that and try harder.
I would love to connect with someone with a similar story. Tips for sleeping and eating would be great. Depression is a battle I fight also and every time I get sick I imagine it's back. Statistics are not great
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That’s a lot to go through. Doctors aren’t always right; I hope you will continue to get better.
What a tough tine you've had. I'm so sorry to see that,
I didn't have the complications you have, but am happy to talk if you want. My phone is in my personal story.
I've spent lots of time in emergency on a variety of issues.
I had a second surgery because my colon decided it wanted to join the fun above my diaphragm. Surgery put it back below where it's supposed to be. There were digestive issues after that. They're much better now.
I just returned from New Zealand. Both islands. What a wonderful place - stunning scenery, and beautiful people. A few fish. Ha!
Where in New Zealand are you from? Being treated where?
I'm about 1 and 1/2 years out from my esophagectomy.
Eating and feeling good enough to get back out in the world. Very grateful for that. Clear ct scans so far.
Hang in there. Don't be reluctant to call.
Gary
We live in Christchurch and my surgery was here also. Glad you had a lovely holiday. How did you get on with travel insurance?
I've found that physical stuff is more difficult still. They told me that because of the extended ICU stay and collapsed lungs that I had developed some syndrome, can't remember the name of it tho. I haven't had a CT in ages. NZ health system is quite broken