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38 Days post Esophagectomy
Well my husband had his Esophagectomy on November 8th. We are currently in the hospital still trying to get through multiple complications. He had stage 4, localized cancer that only spread to one lymph node.
He has been in the ICU twice due to aspiration of fluid that leaked from the surgery from his stomach into his lungs.
On top of this, dealing with two pinhole leaks in his esophagus. They are trying stents so the leaks can repair, but it seems to be taking forever and causing him so many problems. What started off as a positive strong mindset is now just pure exhaustion and second guessing this surgery. He has one leak left that just won’t heal, and had to get a new stent put in 2 days ago, and now has a fever of 39.5 (sorry we are Canadian lol)
We will be here for Christmas and wish we could be home with our kids, as we had to come to another city for thoracic surgeons.
He has not eaten in this whole time, no feeding tube was inserted ever, they have him being fed through IV but managed to lose 15 pounds this month.
I’m hoping this WILL get better 🙁
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I know the feeling. I leaked and had a stent. I did not think it would ever heal but it did. I spent a total of 7 months at Mayo in 2020. So far still cancer free. Sitting at Mayo waiting on endoscope as I werite. Hopefully just another routine check. I will pray daily for you and your husband. It isn’t hopless and I am a witness to that. Blessings and success to you both.
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2 ReactionsBecky, I just want to send you love and support and prayers. My husband Tim is coming home tomorrow for the first time in four months! His esophagectomy was September 23. What can go wrong did go wrong. The radiation really destroyed so much of his tissue (and right lung) that the surgical site leaked. He became septic, he had a blood clot, his lungs can’t handle intubation, his feeding tube fell out twice. It’s been quite the road. We also spent Christmas in the hospital. Honestly we almost lost him right before Christmas so I was grateful to have that. It’s amazing how your perspective changes. And I’m telling you this to actually be an encouragement although it hasn’t been yet! Sorry. But I’ve had the most wonderful people praying for us, supporting us, and lifting us up. I wanted to do the same for you. When you’re looking for the silver linings, they’re there.
I also want to encourage you to insist on a feeding tube immediately!
He is at his strongest today. Just saying. He can’t heal without nutrition.
Not that I don’t believe in miracles, because I absolutely do! I’m praying for yours. Hang in there!
Heidi
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2 ReactionsBecky
We are all praying for you. I had a feeding tube for several months and it fell out once, but it really helped when I just could not eat normally.
Don
Be very careful about IV nutrition (TPN). My husband had a tumor in the cardia area, Stage 1—no lymph nodes involved, and in June 2023 had an esophagectomy. He was unable to tolerate j-tube feeding and eventually was put on TPN. He also had issues with the j-tube leaking, getting clogged and falling out. Hubby had aspirational pneumonia more than once and because of malnourishment relating to constant vomiting has lost about 85 lbs.
People on TPN tend to have gallbladder and infection issues. He was on TPN for about six months when he got a bacterial and fungal infection and the TPN was discontinued and a new j-tube placed. He also had three ERCP procedures to clean out the gallbladder of sludge and stones. He's been hospitalized several times over the last 19-months and he still has a long way to go. A brutal recovery and he's still not eating.
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2 Reactions@heidi925, how are you doing? How is your husband's recovery at home going?
Hi Colleen, thanks for asking. It’s a little slow and scary, but OK. Still trying to get home Health approved and in here, and it’s been a real struggle. I feel like Tim’s energy is taking a step back rather than forward because of it. The rehab he was in was truly amazing. I definitely need other people telling him what to do! He’s not the best patient😫.
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1 ReactionHi Gary
I am new to this thread. My dad was diagnosed a few weeks ago. I am looking for some support and guidance on how to help him through this. Do you still do these calls or chats?
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1 ReactionThe folks on this site have much experience... believe me. Even with as much as I know about EC, I keep learning from these folks daily. So... just ask away!! Our neoadjuvant and post-op journeys are quite varied... but I'm sure we've seen just about everything. You can also contact any of us personally.
Gary
Curious how things are going @heidi925 ? My dad took a turn for the worst after his 5th round of chemo and 2 weeks into radiation. Another dr recommend a TPN instead of a j tube. Has that worked for him?