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Esophagectomy: What is life like Afterwards?
Hello, my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March. His tumor is very small and isolated, thankfully! He has been a champ and has finished chemo and radiation. His esophagectomy is scheduled in a couple of weeks. He and the rest of my family are starting to feel the fear and reality of this procedure. My dad's not a big talker but I know he is scared. I would love to connect with others to learn about what life has been like after this surgery so I can help support my dad. I am also hoping to get him involved with some support groups with others who have experienced the surgery. It would be so beneficial for him to connect with others who have been through what he is going through. Any insight on post-surgery recovery and life would be very appreciated!
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Yes...eastern time zone
Hi Scott here I was in hospital 8 days. That was in January I left hospital in pretty good shape could only eat soft foods for about 2 weeks and only small amounts. I can pretty much eat anything now but still eat small meals which is fine. I go for walks every day and workout 4 to 5 times a week. This has helped me tremendously. I’m 62 almost 63 couple more days. So this won’t be a fast process but if she stays positive and with great support she should be able to get back to some normal activities that she likes to do. Your digestive system has been changed so it takes time to adjust also. Stay positive wishing you the best you got this. Scott
I was in for 9 days (oesophagectomy 6 weeks ago). I had the ng tube until the last. Day but was having water and ensure/ fortified meal replacements. Takes a while to start getting enough food but the meal replacement and protein powder helped keep weight on . I still lost 4kg between operation and today. Talk to the hospital dietitian as they really know their stuff and have been supportive post discharge. I am now well onto soft foods ( soups, avocado, pate etc) and even managed one of my husband's amazing gingernuts although it took an hour of nibbling and doing 20 chews.
@allie2025
My husband was discharged after 5 days. He came home on clear liquids for 3 days, full liquids for 11 days, soft foods for two weeks before he try’s solid foods. I think recovery is unique to each individual. Best of luck to you both!
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1 Reaction@cometsmom I am new to this group and interested in attending zooom meetings. Can you provide the link to tune into these please. My 69 year old brother, Downs Syndrome, had an esophogectomy 1 year ago after chemo and radiation. All well and surgical outcome good. However he has continued to lose weight despiste intense supervision of meals etc. May have developed an eating disorder. So far surgeon doesnt want feeding tube. Started at 205 lb and now 95 lbs......balance and mobility compromised. Would love to share some of this and get support. He would join me. Thanks much. John W.
@malewski
Here is the link. If you go to smartpatients.com under the esophageal cancer forum, you'll find it already highlighted, and will just have to click on it. Hope this helps.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795?pwd=UjBHQ0J2V1pOc21SOExTR2N1UXNpQT09
@cometsmom
Thanks so much,
John