When do things get better after an esophagectomy? Timeline?

@annbresner Thank you Ann for your reply, and I’m glad the physical therapy solved your problem. I’m sure that method works in many or most cases, but in mine there was too much fluid surrounding my left lung (800 ml). It was easily drained with a tube placed in my side with local anesthesia. Afterward the cough was gone, and it never returned. Sending thoughts for your continued recovery.

@eve2026, oh my goodness. I'm so glad that they got to the bottom of the breathing issue and are keeping him in the hospital to monitor him closely. I know this seems like a setback, but he is in good hands and getting the care he needs to get him back on track.

You asked about a caregiver group. Please feel free to join the online discussions here:
- Caregivers Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/

It must be hard to be home without him and traveling back and forth to the hospital. How are YOU doing?

@jimbon raise your bed about five inches from the pillow side. It will help with the reflux at night. Also watch what you eat. Hope you feel better

Thanks my friend will do,have a virtual tomm with Corwell Health,loosing to much weight im heavy on Olive oil,Heavy whipping cream ,cheese venison breakfast sausage Greek yogurt, protein drinks,anything to add weight i don't want that damn feeding tube back in...

Hi eve2026, Two weeks post surgery is very, very early in the recovery process. An esophagectomy is a major surgical procedure often preceded by chemo and or radiation therapy, any one of which can knock the stuffing out of you. Combination of any two or three of these being a major assault on your health.
I recovered progressively over more than 12 months post surgery - rapidly for the first few months, then more subtly for probably another year. Adjusting to new eating and sleeping practices and other lifestyle changes is the first challenge. Please get advice from the treating team about the recovery process and expected timelines and adjust your outlook to suit.
All the best for you and your husband’s next challenging year. Geoff

I had Ivor Lewis surgery in April of 2020 to remove stage 4 esophageal cancer. After 14 days in the hospital I went home with a feeding tube and two drainage tubes. All of which were removed by the end of July. Just walking to the bathroom was a strenuous task for almost a month after getting home. I started eating non fat food almost immediately after surgery, yet almost everything dumped from my body immediately. This lasted for months. I had to learn my body’s signals on when to stop eating if I wanted to keep food in me. I would get a runny nose and excessive mouth watering, in the beginning after only 4-5 bites. Now I can eat about a cup and a half before it begins. I only had a dumping issue about 4 times in the last couple years(overeating).
My current normal is nothing like it was before cancer. Sleeping is the biggest change when I can sleep. I also have severe nerve pain along the incision on my back.
Still alive so I guess the pros outweigh the cons
Best of luck on your life changing journey
Lori

@lleigh You mention the severe nerve pain you still suffer from along the incision on your back. Did your surgeon not give you a prescription for Gabapentin? They are designed for nerve pain. I was prescribed 300mg 3X a day, and after only a few weeks post surgery I didn’t need them any more. But they can be taken on a long term basis. My husband has been taking them to help with neuropathy pain for years. They also can help with sleep I am told. Sending positive thoughts for your continued recovery.

@lindainca I was prescribed Gabapenetin. Within a couple days I started having short term memory problems and brain fog. Just shy of two weeks my feet weren’t always lifting when I I walked constantly. Doctors stopped it stating I was having an allergic reaction. Never got my dose above 100 mg three times a day. Nerve blocks aren’t working and can’t find a neurosurgeon to clip the nerves. So disappointing.
Thank you for your suggestion

@lleigh So sorry to hear this. Have you tried the Zoom support group here?

Good morning. I also had the Ivor Lewis done January 2025. Feeding tube is normal. He will be tired and weak for a while. I lost 50 lbs, from just sitting around. Pretty sure it’s normal after surgery. When he starts solid food, expect problems swallowing, and he will get full very quickly. I still sometimes over eat and loose a portion of my meal. Normal. We have a sleep number bed, so I sleep okay elevated. I am pretty much back to normal, having intestinal issues still intermittently. Good luck I wish you well! Craig C.