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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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Hi, I am 66 and had surgery in October 2024. They removed most of my esophagus and part of my stomach . I was in decent physical shape but slightly overweight prior to surgery. I had every complication there is after surgery (leak, strictures, infection) but I was out after two weeks and snow skiing five months afterwards. Recovery in hospital can be uncomfortable at times but it is bearable and you eventually get better. My only issue was dealing with strictures for months after surgery but I did my own dilations at home and got well a few months ago so I am 100% healthy now. Make sure you get a good surgeon and hospital and your dad should be ok. Tell him not to worry. He is going to be ok. I can talk if it will help. I know it helped me speak to someone prior to. Feel free to reach back to me. My name is Manuel
@jimbon I had same. T2 at gastric junction like you. They likely removed part of your stomach and most your esophagus so you should be 100% cancer free since all of it was removed. I don’t worry about getting it again. Its gone along with my esophagus 🙂
@jimbon try not eating after 7pm so you can sleep without reflux. Good luck.
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1 Reaction@manuelo that would be Awsome its deff been a battle, had my CT scan last wed and meet with Dr ,s wed but reading my portal looks like good report, next CT be mid of July. Thanks for encouragement 🙏.
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1 Reaction@manuelo
Likewise. I had a couple dozen endoscopies before I started self dilation. I do it every day but considering stopping and see what happens.
@v132077 you can do it gradually. Every three days, weekly, bi weekly, then stop. If you feel food is getting stuck again you can re-start. Good luck!
@jimbon good Luck!
I had t2 tumor between stomach and esophagus removed. I am doing great.
I can give you lots of tips and feedback and can speak if you wish. Just make sure surgeon is best in your area. Mine is in Miami if it helps.
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2 Reactions@manuelo
What size is/was your dilator. I am using a 48FR. Where did you do the training for self dilation. I went through the Mayo in Phoenix.
I was diagnosed with T4 in November 2019. Went through radiation and chemotherapy in January, February and March. Surgery at the end of April 2020. It’s definitely been a rough journey. Even now the nerve pain in my back and right side are at times unbearable. I do take nausea medicine yet refuse pain medicine.
Living alone has been challenging getting the outside chores done as when I feel like I’m going to pass out from pain I have to take many breaks( mowing/shoveling)
I’m still only able to eat about 1 cup of food at a time unless I want to be sick or have dumping. Luckily I have precursors when I’m getting close. My nose starts running and my mouth gets very watery.
Sleeping has had its challenges as well. I think I’m up to 8 pillows on my bed and if I fall off those I usually head to the couch where it doesn’t happen.
Best of luck,
Lori