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← Return to Chemoradiation Alone?
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Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (18)
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Thanks for that insight. Did you lose significant amount of weight after surgery? were there any complications with your lungs after surgery or issues to do with the heart rhythm? Were you given another treatment after surgery i.e immunotherapy or chemo?
It's really helpful to hear your experience.
Replies to "@lionsfan Thanks for that insight. Did you lose significant amount of weight after surgery? were there..."
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@butterfly58
I lost about 15 lbs initially post surgery and maintained there for about 4 months. I then got gastroperesis due to the vagus nerve being cut during surgery. This means that my muscles weren't contracting to push food down my new stomach. As a result, I dropped down to 138lbs from 160lbs. I spent 5 days in the hospital and eventually got better. I'm back up to 160lbs. I didn't have lung or heart issues post surgery, but I had issues after six months of post surgical Opdivo immunotherapy. The Opdivo caused hepatitis in my liver, pneumonitis in my lungs and glaucoma in my right eye. All of the side effects are rare however. I'm doing pretty well now. I'm a 68 year old personal trainer and also train myself 2.5 hours per day. I struggle some days with fatigue and an upset stomach, but overall I'm getting better. Again, I'd do it all over again as I'm optimistic going forward. It's definitely as much an emotional journey as physical, but a journey worth taking. I hope this helps and wish you all the best.