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Living life after treatment and surgery for Esophageal Cancer.
In December of 2020 I was diagnosed with stage 3 Esophageal Cancer. After chemo and radiation in February and March of 2021, I had surgery to remove the cancer in May of 2021. For me the surgery and recovery were probably the toughest part of the process. Not to say the chemo and radiation were easy, they were not but the changes the surgical part of treatments have changed my life from here on. Life after I got home from the hospital at first would not have been possible without a lot of help. Little things you take for granted such as showering or even walking about your home couldn't be accomplished without help. Those things got easier over time but it was a challenge. Getting use to having to sleep at a 30° angle because laying flat means anything in you new redesigned stomach comes up while you sleep(very uncomfortable and dangerous for your lungs). With the new design of your stomach food is also a bit of a challenge. They give you a list of foods you will probably be able to eat and a list of foods you probably should stay away from. With me I found after time that you have to try different foods and your body tells you quickly if you can or can not eat that again. You will also find portions you can tolerate will be much less than you were use to. This means you eat many more times per day. In the end it has been worth it for me because I have been cancer free on my 6 month scans so far . Another scan in a month which will be 2 years since surgery, I pray they continue to show me cancer free. If anyone has any questions on my journey so far please reach out. I have a friend who mentored me in my journey which helped tremendously for me. As I have said and believe since my journey started we are all" STRONGER TOGETHER "
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I had surgery 1 year ago. I've lost 20 pounds and now weigh 82 pounds. I can't seem to gain weight either. I'm still undergoing immunotherapy, so hopefully after that I'll gain some weight.
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1 Reaction@annbresner, sorry to hear that there may be some cancer detected. Have you met with the oncologist to find out more? What did you learn?
@tas1950 have you tried supplements like bacteria to repair your intestinal flora, vitamines, glutamine and butyric acid, magnesium bisglycinate, depending on whether you have a histamine intolerance or not. My husband has it, but all of these helped him to repair his intestines and gain weight. After 4 years he still does not feel any hunger or appetite, he does not eat healthy because he simply cannot, he eats a lot of potatoes, which is good in my eyes, but he does not like to eat, because he simply does not know what to eat. This has accompanied him since the surgery, although he was like that before, as well, but now it is even worse, but with the supplements he at least does not have any diarrhea any more, he has fewer dumps, feels better, his mood is better and he gained weight and keeps it. Perhaps this helps. If you want to know, which supplements he is taking, please contact me any time either here. All the best and be patient. Patience you definitely need.
It’s been almost two years since my chemo, radiation and surgery for esophageal cancer. Thankfully, I am cancer free today and have just begun my transition from every 3 months to every 6 months monitoring regime.
I weighed 125 pounds when I was diagnosed and now weigh 83 pounds. I’m having a very hard time gaining weight due to my lack of appetite and the discomfort I experience during and after eating. I often get stomach cramps, gas and diarrhea shortly after eating. I am also lactose intolerant so adding dairy fat and dairy protein are not an option for me. I try to incorporate plant-based high protein drinks into my diet but the ones I’ve found are low calorie/low fat.
Has anyone experienced similar problems? I would be very grateful for suggestions.
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1 Reaction@cherip123
We discuss this often on our Zoom calls... and we have Nora on our calls... she was down to 87 lbs... I think she's up to 96 lbs now. Pop on Sunday's call... and we'll discuss a few work arounds... as we thoroughly vet your EC and Esophagectomy journey to date... comorbidities... eating habits... etc. Most all on our calls have had esophagectomies... and we usually have 20 to 35 on each call, from all over the world. Be well...
Gary
Sundays, 9am Eastern
Wednesdays, 6pm Eastern
One-touch Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795
If asked for, passcode is tuiBE5
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1 Reaction@mrgvw Thank you! I hope to join in Sunday.
@cherip123 First, congratulations on your cancer free status. That’s an amazing milestone. I had my Esophagectomy almost four months ago, and I too struggle with maintaining weight. I started at around 100 and have been as low as 96. I don’t have much of an appetite either, but I know I have to eat so I just do it. The key for me has been eating SLOWLY. I’ll have 5oz. of whole milk yogurt in the morning (170 calories), but taking about an hour to eat it. Perhaps you could try lactose free yogurt? An hour later I might have half a turkey and cheese sandwich (275 calories), again taking around an hour to eat it. I have also been using the Kate Farms plant based supplements (330 calories). I take a couple of hours to finish one of those. I might have a thick soup for dinner (bean with bacon for example, 340 calories). There are also Clif Energy Bars (260 calories), and no sugar added fruit juices (around 130 calories). I also eat ice cream (there are lactose free varieties), but never more than about 1/2 cup (240 calories) at a time. Eggs are also a good protein option. I made a list of foods I can tolerate, along with some nutritional info including calories, and created a spread sheet to add up the calories. That visual has really helped me. Good luck to you, and I’m sending positive thoughts your way.