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Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Mar 22, 2023 | Replies (95)

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@nellieziraldo

So I have been advised that I need an esophagectomy. Extremely nervous about the risks that are involved, especially the mortality risk. Problem is I can keep going on this way, I am at the hospital every 2 weeks because I have thrown up blood for hours and need to be hydrated and given enough gravol to stop the throwing up. Then I go home and continue to throw up for a few days, until it gets bad again and I am back at the hospital. So surgery is inevitable, but I am extremely nervous. Any pointers folks??

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Replies to "So I have been advised that I need an esophagectomy. Extremely nervous about the risks that..."

Where are you being treated? Have you had chemo and/or radiation? What stage are u? Where will you have the surgery? From all of the information I've been given and have read, the best chance of survival and hopefully a cure, is the 3 tier chemo/radiation and surgery.

I too was extremely nervous about the esophagectomy that was suggested for me last year after I completed radiation and chemo. After two different surgery consults I decided I wanted the less invasive procedure that was offered by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Blackmon & staff were wonderful and I had the surgery July 5, 2019. Yes, it is a major surgery but go with a positive attitude and follow their directives and you'll have plenty of fun years ahead. It's only been 7 months post surgery and I eat 'normal' foods in smaller portions but eating is enjoyable again. I even have shoveled snow this winter and lifted lots of heavy boxes when we moved to a new house last month.
As far as your vomiting, have you asked your doctor for a mild sedative to help you through this? you need to keep your weight and strength up prior to surgery.
If at all possible for you, I highly recommend Dr. Blackmon as she's the best at explaining what is going on, great success in no leaks at the surgical connection and I have no noticeable scar on my throat.