Eating and Esophageal Cancer: Anorexia 18 months after Ivor Lewis

Hi sorry about your struggles. I also had a feeding tube for 7 months. It helped tremendously it does take time. How much food is he taking through his feeding tube. I mostly did mine at night while I was sleeping. Also did they put his feeding tube in his small intestine. That’s how you get the nutrients you need also and put weight on .I did 1100 in my feeding bag. It helped me put 20 lbs back on before my surgery. I couldn’t eat or drink for 6 months. Hope this helps. This is hard I know hang in there ok 👍

I had esophageal surgery 5 years ago. I lost 55 lbs. I was a walking skeleton. I ate the food I was supposed to eat but no weight gain. It has now taken me 5 years to gain 20 lbs. I'm eating the same foods so I guess my body wasn't quite ready. The doctors told me to wait and it would happen. I've had my ups and downs but I think about everything I would have missed if I hadn't had the surgery.
I'm a tough, stubborn old girl and would do it again if I had to, and I would suggest to anyone who is having second thoughts about having the esophageal surgery to suck it up and do it. Elbows up!

My husband has had the feeding tube for a few weeks now. We have gotten into a routine. Make sure to wash your hands, clean everything with vinegar and water. I got some tiny alcohol wipes to clean the tips of everything. Just be cautious and there will be less chance of infection. I also made a medicine chart for each day so I don’t miss anything. It’s easy enough.

Hi, I had a j tube for 7 months. Most of my feeding was at night. So pump isn’t really noisy it’s also easier to have it on the same side as your tube. That way your tube shouldn’t pinch when you’re sleeping. Now before and after feeding make sure you flush your j tube throughly with warm water. This is really important for not getting any infection! You also can flush through out the day. Some times food can come back in the tube after you’re done. You’re just back flushing to keep the tube clean. Also helps keeping you hydrated. Hope this helps. You got this!!

Did your Doctor's ever discuss that you might have gastroparesis? I had this and it is paralysis of the esophagus due to the vagus nerve being cut during surgery. Your symptoms sound very similar to what I went through. I lost 15lbs in 10 days. Eventually, a combination of Reglan and Prednisone fixed it. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for the info

Sounds uplifting. Good for you. It's nice to hear a positive story.. The only issue with me is difficulty breathing and fatigue. Going to see doctor next week to figure this out. Stay positive and do yo

Hoping all goes well for you as well!