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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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you are welcome. Any time, just ask, perhaps I can help.
Hello, this os the first time i'm using this site. your post is from 2024 and today is January 26 2026. my brother is about to have an esopagectomy Feb 3 and i'm so scared. it will be done in canada.
Call me, let's talk. 605-484-3319.
Gary
My husband is 4 months post surgery. We changed a lot of every day things prior to surgery so it would be easier for us such as eating, smaller meals more frequently, not drinking liquid liquids while eating we bought an adjustable bed, etc. post surgery. The biggest thing he dealt with was being tired and Building back up his strength and motivation however, he is doing very very well and we are very grateful. We have gone on vacation. He has shoveled the snow and life is slowly returning to what our new normal is . He had his surgery done at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota best of luck with your surgery God bless.
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1 ReactionAny advice on dealing with excessive phlegm post surgery?
My husband does sleep elevated already, and it typically just bothers him in the morning sometimes minimally at night
I use saline spray to clear my sinuses and throat. You can buy it at any pharmacy. I spray it in both nostrils and let it drain down my throat. I then cough up as much phlegm as possible.
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1 Reaction6 chemo and 25 radiation, Christmas of 2024,surgery April of 25...small tumor stayed in esphogus, treatment, s took care of it but everything and everyone, said surgery, 65 years old,doing ok surgery is deff, life changing eating good no feeding tube,lost 20 lbs,non....I mean non stop stop GERD,acid reflux, sphinx valve gone its like non stop volcano down there,don't bend over very long...adenocarsonoma,elevated bed cost under $2000 is deff a nessisary, feel very fortunate, even tho its my private hell,after reading about so many on hear,love and prayers to everyone on hear....willing to answer any questions anyone may have.
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1 Reaction@jimbon
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2 Reactions@jimbon hello i hope this gets to you its my first time using the site. I'm so scared. my brother had chemo for 8 weeks, a 3 week rest and in a few days (on feb 3, 2026) he will have the Esophagectomy. it will be done in montreal. he's going to have chemo after too. he said, the tumors close to his stomach. it may seem odd but I havent asked what stage but i think must be 2-3 because of needing chemo before and after. i decided not to ask because I dont want to here 4. i was confused bybyour post... did you say surgery xmas 2024 and then a temor stayed, everyone said surgery but chemo and radiation treated it. I'm so sorry you are suffering. it was brave of you to have the surgery... but is this what will happen to my brother will he have his own private hell. are there days that you dont feel sick. bless you.
@rselicmeister hang in there. you are a wonderful person