1. < Esophageal Cancer
Profile picture for bakerwd4

Esophagectomy: What is life like Afterwards?

Posted by bakerwd4 @bakerwd4, Jul 28, 2024

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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 27 3:19pm
In reply to @dzpetralia "@gdj my husband is about to ‘have’ this procedure and he is freaking out a bit...." + (show)
Profile picture for dzpetralia @dzpetralia

@gdj my husband is about to ‘have’ this procedure and he is freaking out a bit. If you’re still available, could we connect please?

Jump to this post

@dzpetralia , how is your husband doing? How are YOU doing?

REPLY
Profile picture for veromdf
veromdf | @veromdf | 1 day ago
In reply to @colecarp "The Ivor Lewis surgery is quite complex. Just like most of us I had radiation and..." + (show)
Profile picture for colecarp @colecarp

The Ivor Lewis surgery is quite complex. Just like most of us I had radiation and chemo treatments prior to the surgery. Had mine done in Tampa/Moffitt with Dr. Fontaine and his team January 28th 2025. Clear margins after surgery. So it’s been a year since surgery and eating will be forever different. I lost 60 pounds, maintaining at 180lbs for now, finally some energy back, eating smaller meals but hard to get used to it because I’m a tall big guy that loved to eat. Great team at Moffitt 5 star accommodations. My digestive system still acts up with diarrhea controlled somewhat. Most times when eating I have a stomach ache most likely from over eating. Good luck.

Jump to this post

Hi @colecarp
Hope you are doing well and glad to hear you are one year after surgery! My dad will receive care at Moffit, happy to hear you had a positive experience there. Did you also do radiation/chemo there ?

REPLY
Profile picture for geoff123
geoff123 | @geoff123 | 20 hours ago

Hello from Tasmania, Sorry to hear about your father’s illness - it’s a worrying time for all family members. On the positive side, it sounds like his cancer has been picked up early before invading surrounding tissue and metastasising. The best situation from a prognosis point of view.
I’m 2 years post surgery and while life is different, it’s actually pretty good. It seems that everyone has their own story to tell which no doubt reflects a wide range of treatment after effects and outcomes. There’s no getting away from the fact that an esophagectomy is a very invasive procedure that will involve extended recovery time, the first month or so being the toughest. However, it’s nothing people can’t manage and improvements are noticeable right from the start.
The best advice I was given is to make sure you’re as fit as possible throughout the process - it makes a real difference. Post surgery lifestyle changes include small, frequent meals, sleeping with upper body elevated and a need for care with the food you eat and when you do so ( keep bedtime clear of food for a few hours). A positive outlook and family support are also important. This site is helpful to get input from many people with lived experience.
All the best for your father’s surgery. Regards Geoff

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.