Surgeon called, entire stomach needs to be taken too

Hello mcdonsco! I have some questions. Are you saying your team will not be able to use even a part of the stomach as a conduit to replace the esophagus? Will they be using a piece of your colon instead? Why do they need to remove your entire stomach? I underwent esophagectomy surgery last December. They carved out the usual portion of the stomach in order to access the outer curve to build a conduit long enough to reach up to my throat. I was told that after the surgery I no longer have a functioning stomach, only a conduit that leads directly to the small intestines. Could that be what your doctor was proposing? At almost eight months post surgery I’m doing pretty well. Still trying to regain the five pounds I lost (I was only 100 lb at surgery, so lost 5% of my weight), but feeling much better, exercising, living mostly a (new) normal life. Recovery from this surgery is no picnic, but I believe you will get through it. Sending positive vibes your way!

The cancer is showing up in most of my stomach too, that's why they need to take it. Last pet scan showed most of stomach lit up.

Good to hear you're doing well! At this point I'm not even scared about the surgery itself, just terrified of the aftermath and what life will be like afterwards.

@mcdonsco, thinking of you as you recovery from surgery. I look forward to hearing from you when you are able.

Unfortunately the surgery was aborted when they scoped me. They found cancer on my liver and abdomen.

It's now stage 4 and I've been told 6-12 months left.

Seeking 2nd opinions possible other treatments elsewhere including mayo and MD Anderson.

Praying hard.

@mcdonsco, I'm so sorry to hear that. Should you wish to seek a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, here's where to get started https://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Have you also been working with a palliative care team? I realize this is a loaded question, but how are you doing - really?

@colleenyoung yes, seeking out mayo clinic too, but wasn't aware of that link, thank you.

Doing okay, but every day is a challenge now, mostly of the mind, keeping things positive etc. I have been reading a lot of books as a result (used to be a Twitter / YouTube political junkie, not now)...finished like 3 in the last week, given, shorter ones, 300 pages or less, but for me that's a lot.

The last one I finished was Chris beat cancer and never mind the fact he had his surgically removed before refusing chemo etc and doing his massive changes, the idea of changing my diet to what he mentions in the book, high immune system boosting organic plant based diet, juicing carrots till you turn orange etc...kind of struck me and so im trying it.

I can't "eat" due to the esophagus tumor, just thanks to the stent installed last week in leu of surgery, I can drink a lot now. So, I'm blending the salads. Used AI for the ingredients in the book to come up with two smoothies per day, then the juicing to get all the calories I need.

Expensive, just did the shopping for it today, will be starting tomorrow. But, it's something and I'm hopeful.

I have read a ton of stories about people that did similar and lived many many years past their expiration dates, so hoping I can join that club.

We'll see.

The weirdest thing about this new diagnosis though is how cancer messes with your head. I have a regular constant though of "ok, if this is it then just get it over with now!". Dark, yes. But I have good support at home from my wife who's taking leave for the next year and from my mother in law (not so much from my kids who are just as crazy as ever, they know about the cancer, not the timeline. We haven't told them yet and are unsure when we will).

Also, doing a lot of finding God after being a life long atheist ... Been reading books on it, and the Bible in general.

Anyway, thanks for asking.

One day at a time.