Connect
← Return to Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect
Discussion
Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Mar 22, 2023 | Replies (95)Comment receiving replies
Hi Lori, welcome! I’m tagging @survivorsuz and @mitchm2009 to make sure that they see your messages to them.
We just opened this group dedicated to Esophageal Cancer. Did you also see that you can register for a free patient conference on July 31, 2021 and attend either virtually or in person?
See more info here:
- Gastroesophageal Cancer Education Symposium https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/gastroesophageal-cancer-education-symposium/
@lizzier’s son-in-law just had surgery for esophageal cancer today. What tips would you offer to someone as they recover? What do you wish you had known?
Replies to "Hi Lori, welcome! I’m tagging @survivorsuz and @mitchm2009 to make sure that they see your messages..."
My esophagectomy with gastric pullup was July 2019. The thing I wish I’d done before the surgery is to get an adjustable bed.
Using a foam wedge wasn’t comfortable so my best option was to get 2 separate twin adjustable beds so my control was independent of my husband’s. Two twins side by side =a king size bed so the bedspread still made them look like one bed.
Having my head & shoulders supported is best for me.
The feeding tube was a big pain in my side, literally. My pants rubbed it as I walked and later decided to wrap an elastic bandage over it and that helped.
Do the deep breathing exercises and walk, walk, walk. Movement helps a lot.
Finally, if things don’t seem right, call your doctor sooner than later.
I’m doing great at my 2 year mark and wish you tge best too.
Connect
Colleen, yes I recieved the notification via postal mail. The link is how I discovered this support group. 🙂