Just got home after having my esophagus removed: Recovery tips?

Posted by johnstawicki @johnstawicki, Sep 13, 2022

Esophagus cancer
I just came home from hospital , after having my esophagus removed anyone else ?

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No immunotherapy proposed by my surgeon, Dr. Shen nor my oncologist, Dr. Mahipal.
I wish your Mom and you success in whatever you decide. Hope and hugs to both!

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I also had mine removed and the stomach stretched to where the esophagus started at top. You will learn by trial and error which foods you can/can't eat. There are lots of foods I enjoyed in the past but can't eat now such as nuts, steak, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate (although I'll put up with the acid reflux) and so on. Give yourself at least 3 hours between dinner and bedtime or you could aspirate. As I said, you'll be learn what foods not to have. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

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@doglover888

I also had mine removed and the stomach stretched to where the esophagus started at top. You will learn by trial and error which foods you can/can't eat. There are lots of foods I enjoyed in the past but can't eat now such as nuts, steak, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate (although I'll put up with the acid reflux) and so on. Give yourself at least 3 hours between dinner and bedtime or you could aspirate. As I said, you'll be learn what foods not to have. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

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And heavy breads are a huge no no for me also!!!!!!
Eat smaller, more frequent meals. I graze on light crackers, cheese, grapes, hard boiled eggs.

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@doglover888

I also had mine removed and the stomach stretched to where the esophagus started at top. You will learn by trial and error which foods you can/can't eat. There are lots of foods I enjoyed in the past but can't eat now such as nuts, steak, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate (although I'll put up with the acid reflux) and so on. Give yourself at least 3 hours between dinner and bedtime or you could aspirate. As I said, you'll be learn what foods not to have. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

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Hi, sounds like we've had the exact same operation. I had a tumor at the junction of my esophagus and two snall cancer nodes at the top of my esophagus close to vocal cords. Had my esophagectomy back on the 16th November and so far ive been making an excellent recovery, even got out yesterday and mowed lawns as I've noticed over last week a significant and positive change in my energy levels and my pain has been decreasing.

To answer your question, I've found that rice by itself is a big no for me. I had some Sushi and the rice blocked my throat so I couldn't swallow and felt a blockage. Only way to clear it was to cough it up which was a horrible sensation. Sticking to creamy food and also drinking water after several mouthfuls of food works really well.

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@michaelfnz

Hi, sounds like we've had the exact same operation. I had a tumor at the junction of my esophagus and two snall cancer nodes at the top of my esophagus close to vocal cords. Had my esophagectomy back on the 16th November and so far ive been making an excellent recovery, even got out yesterday and mowed lawns as I've noticed over last week a significant and positive change in my energy levels and my pain has been decreasing.

To answer your question, I've found that rice by itself is a big no for me. I had some Sushi and the rice blocked my throat so I couldn't swallow and felt a blockage. Only way to clear it was to cough it up which was a horrible sensation. Sticking to creamy food and also drinking water after several mouthfuls of food works really well.

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One food to stay away from is steak. I can't eat rice. Soft spongy bread will get caught in your throat also. Asparagus is a no no because it is stringy. Weird I know, but you'll find out which foods to stay away from. I try to eat lots of fattening foods and eat butter, gravies, sauces (not tomato), thick soups and I won't give up my chocolate. I'll suffer lol.

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