Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

@lori57216 I live in Chicago so I would be traveling there. Just a little scary for me. I want to make the best decision. It’s just such a huge one—I’m also hesitant of leaving my daughter. All of my emotional support would be hours away from me. I also want to LIVE! Lol,, ugh. Thank you for the advice. 🙂

Oh my!!! That is a ways to travel. I was only expected to be in the hospital for a week but one of my drainage holes became infected. ( in terms of time line away from home ).

Yes that is one of my concerns. As the time gets closer I’m sure my intuition will kick in. Just seems soo hard for me to make decisions these days.

And will you be making that trip alone? I hope not, especially after surgery my friend. See if you can arrange someone to accompany you and drive you back home? You could very well be hooked up to a J tube ( feeding tube in your intestine ) plus oxygen tank as I was regarding both.

@lori57216 No no,,, my mom or sister will definitely drive back with me. They would like to be there the whole time with me-splitting up the time. It’s just a lot to ask of them. I will not be alone. I’m unfortunately on 1 liter of oxygen now since June!! I had pneumonia. How long were you on oxygen?

Regarding the time frame with oxygen after surgery I honestly don't remember. But I had an oxygen test ( finger test ) done 24 / 7 for 3 days and my oxygen level dropped to just above 70 while sleeping. So I have to have 2 liters only when I'm sleeping.
The nicest motel at reasonable rates was called Centerstone Motel right up the street from St. Mary's with shuttle. Also they have family accommodations with laundry etc. That's where we stayed all but one time. Let me know if you want their info. They can also be found on the www.

Thank you- I’m sure I could Google it! Are you still using the oxygen while sleeping? Or did I misread that? @lori57216

Yes while sleeping and if I happen to think of it while I'm in the bedroom in my lift chair watching tv. Figure what the hey, can't hurt. Oxygen is beneficial to soft tissue ( via the blood stream ) for healing.

I agree, oxygen can be beneficial for healing. I just wish I could get off it before surgery. Meaning I want to be as strong as possible. My weight is down which could be one of the reasons I still need the oxygen. I’m needing it less and less. I have good and bad days. I guess we all do!! Just have to keep moving. Thank you for being so helpful @lori57216 btw- what is a lift chair? Also one more thing, the surgery discussed (for me) is called a Transhiatal Esophagectomy…. Is that the surgery you had as well?
Thanks again:)

A lift chair is an electric recliner basically.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I do not remember the term for my surgery. He cut into my stomach, my right side around entire rib cage & neck. Removed esophagus, stretched my stomach up and attached to what remained of esophagus. The drainage tube that was inserted into my neck got infected which is the only reason I had to stay in the hospital for an additional week ( otherwise I would have been released after only 1 week ).